Griefs Observed

Some grieve now while others save their grief for

Later – too intense a pain to face.

Some accept while others, disbelieving,

Want to see the evidence themselves.

Some will sob while others quietly weep.

Some will talk, while others, silent, listen.

Some contain, while others overflow with

Sadness, pain and anger, blame and guilt.

Some seek comfort, others seek to comfort,

Some won’t know just what to do or say.

Some write poems, some write songs in tribute

Or lament, to celebrate or mourn.

Some will seek a reason (where there’s none).

Some will call for justice (or revenge):

Some see little point in retribution.

Some will cling to loved ones left behind,

Others seek out solitude and space.

Some remember privately, while others

Share in public, online, openly.

Visited by ghosts of long-lost souls,

Some revisit griefs still unresolved.

All will grieve, for sure, all differently,

Contemplating life’s fragility.

(In memory of Christopher Burgess 1988 - 2016)