Poetry: Grief & Healing

Tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh, January 2022.

the passing of a great monk
a gentle soul
a powerhouse of humanity
i am diminished by your loss
and uplifted by your example
peace is every step. 

you embraced life
welcomed every perception
saw the light in every thing
and now
you are that light
connecting us all
peace is every step. 

you lived and taught in a way 
that was illuminating
buddha came alive
through your words
through your pen
i was and am forever changed
peace is every step

Quiet and astounding
you were always there
thank you for showing us 
how to shine
with peace in every step.

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

For two years
i have been carrying
a tremendous grief and
powerlessness
it has slain me
over and over and over
again

Here we sit
with infinite sadness
by our side
Insatiable grief
Like a loyal dog, panting
Let’s sit boy
Come here girl
Let us come to rest
Let’s stop the fight
Let’s just see each other
and Mourn
While holding hands
And touching feet

a long ways from home
a woman
who looks like me
on the corner
of the street

my mother is losing her mind
like a broken typewriter
clacking away randomly
furiously
pages and pages
of nonsense