Damn the rain. 

Today it is too much. 

God’s tears, yes, 

Mingle with our own 

As more death 

Takes ones we love, 

Leaving only a cold companion, 

Grief. 

Written originally for Leslie, Patty, and Patricia, who have recently lost beloved feline companions, but I know there are more of you battling staggering loss. I’m sorry this poem couldn’t be one of those uplifting, promise of hope kind, but sometimes acknowledging pain is all we are able to pull forth.

I do believe there will be good and fun and happiness and joy. I even believe those things are already among us. But the grief must be embraced before we can place it in the softness of our memories and move on.