The Gift

numerous losses
will make us forget
will make us too numb
to receive the gift of grieving
a part of us will put up her arms
hide in her elbows
while the knees buckle
and run away

but
please 
stay

let’s be here awhile
amongst the weeds
in the forgotten garden
of once was
there was a time when the flowers bloomed
and bees buzzed
and we sang and clapped

let’s treasure that
which we shared
so merrily
how our eyes shone
while we ate cake
and smiled

it is these moments that make life
adorable
and i wish
we were taught
how to also grieve
not in despair
but in tender celebration
of all our fullness

even the moon 
wanes
and still
we gaze up
and smile