.
Grief does not tip-toe
it comes
on lead feet
leaving deep prints
in the earth
to collect our tears
and send them over-flowing
to the stream
that joins all sorrow
winding to the sea.
And in the walk-about
where we are left to keen
wildflowers bloom around
the weeping willow tree.
.
.
© 2018 Betty Hayes Albright
.
Seasonings 
A wonderful rhapsody! May your new week be blessed in amazing ways!
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Thank you, Wendell, for your kindness. Wishing you a blessed week as well.
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There are always new waves washing ashore…but also the flowers blooming. (K)
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That is true, Kerfe – thank you. 🌷
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I needed to read this one – how did you know? Thank you, Betty.
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It was one I needed to write today, Sharon. Have been having a rough time still and I know you are too. Was bottling it up, which is always a mistake. Wishing you peace and relief from the incessant ache. ❤️
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You too, my dear friend.
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Such an achievement to wrestle such lyrical sadness from the unforgiving grind of grief- it holds a candle of hope for us all.
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“Wrestle” is a good word to describe how it felt to write this one. Thank you so much for your kind and perceptive words.
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Grief does indeed not step lightly…always finding the Achilles’ heel of our love.
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That is most true, Charlie. It certainly finds the tender places in our hearts and memories…
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This is beautiful, Betty, and so true. Today is my son’s birthday, and this poem is just what I needed to read. Thank you.
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Steven, I know what a hard day it was for you, then. It’s the birthdays, holidays and those other special days that are the hardest to get through. I think of you often and wonder how you’re doing. Take care, my friend.
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Betty – Now I see and understand so much more. Synchronistic yes … the willow bringing shade to cool our hearts longing
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Thank you, Peter! And yes, there are wildflowers to remind us that life goes on, growing from the footprints.
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Beautifully crafted – the way the first word has the same vowel sound as the last word of alternate lines. It adds so much to the mood, as quietly insistent as grief itself.
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Thank you most kindly for your comment. (Good to see you – hope you haven’t been snowed in!)
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Not snowed in exactly, but transport was affected by one snowflake too many, as usual.
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Hope things are thawing out now.
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It’s all gone now.
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So true. It can lie at any bend in the path, unannounced, yet reminding us who were, and still are, dear to us.
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A good way of putting it. Thanks very much, Ken.
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Yes as you express so well and clearly here, grief is a part of life and nature.
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Thank you, Ben. Tears can leave flowers in their wake to comfort us.
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if we allow them to.
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Yes, that’s the key.
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🙂
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Here’s a song I wrote in May 1978 – almost 40 years ago. Your poem reminded me.
The Legend Of The Moon’s Reflection
https://bennaga.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/the-legend-of-the-moons-reflection/
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Very beautiful, Ben. And it gave me goosebumps at the parallel of the metaphor. Yet another one you should consider re-posting. 🙂
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Thank you, Betty. Maybe in May when it has its anniversary. 🙂 The tune of my friend’s is lovely and was inspiring.
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Wish I could hear it!
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Your wish is my command, Check your e-mail. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Ben. The song is beautiful. Is that your voice reading and singing? I listened to it using my cellphone so will boot up the PC and listen again. Over and over!
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Yes it’s me reciting with Sebastian on piano and both of us singing together in the chorus..
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Love it! You have a wonderful voice.
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Whenever I have heard it as recorded I have hated it.
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I think most people dislike the sound of their own voice when recorded.
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So on top of that I’m a cliché. 😦
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You a cliche? Never! If you’re a cliche then we all are. 🙂
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You may be digging yourself deeper in here, Betty. But that’s my stuff not yours.
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A poignant poem filled with love that brings it together. I do hope you are well. I know how much you miss him. Take care.
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It’s good to hear from you, Renee. Thanks for your kind words – I’m doing okay. Hope you’re having good days. Did you get moved yet? You take care also!
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I have about gotten the apartment all packed and the Manager there said the apartment should be ready by the 24th of March so that we could move in the smaller things and boxes (it isn’t far from where I live now) and then on the 31st I will have some muscle for the big stuff. That is large furniture items so my son-in-law will drive the UHaul and my grandson and grandson’s boyfriend (hopefully the latter) will help with all of that. I will be glad when it is all over with.
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I know how much work that is, on top of being stressful and exhausting just planning it out. Glad you have some help, and hopefully it’ll all go smoothly. It does help that it’s not too far away. Will be thinking of you!
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So moving and touching. Thank you Betty. 💕
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Thank you, Val, I appreciate that. ❤️
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Oh, how melancholy and lovely at the same time, and poetry that resonates with me personally. Beautiful, Betty. Hugs xo
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Thank you, Lauren. ❤️ Hope you have a good week! Hugs back 💕
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Life continues, always. As we are left sucker-punched on the ground, the last thing we want to see is those damn wildflowers. But then … we do. Aloha, sweetie ❤
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Smiling at your “damn wildflowers”. 🤣 When we do see them we find out how healing they are to the spirit. Thank you dear Bela.
🌸🌼🌸🌼🌸💕
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Hugs, Betty ❤
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Poignant and beautiful. I will be adding this to my favorites page on my blog. I love it! 😊
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Thank you, I’m honored! 🙂
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softly splashing, cold, but tender grief i’m feeling.
preferable to those cold heavy footsteps
walking across my body & face 🙂
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Yes, I agree. 🙂 And don’t forget to smell the wildflowers.
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This is just how I see life now💜💜
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I’m sorry you do, Willow. Empathizing with you. What we need is warm sunshine and walks through the garden. That vision keeps me going. ❤️🌸💕
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Yes you are right, hopefully things will improve soon.💜💜
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🌞🌸🌻🌞💕🌻🌞🌼💓
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🌹☘️🍀🏵️🥀💐🌻🌺🌾🌼🌸🌷🌷🌷🌷💮🌱🌻🌻🌻🌻🌼
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Oh, what a lovely emoji garden! 💕
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Just what we need
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Beautiful! Ahh I love poetry 💗💗
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Thank you very much!
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Brilliantly written truth
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Thank you so much, Candice. 💕
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This one touches me deeply, those wildflowers so poignant. Beautiful, Betty.
My very best,
Paul
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Thank you, Paul – I appreciate your comment very much and am so glad you liked it!
Wishing you the very best also,
Betty
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