Dealing with loss

This pain is the harsh stinging of an icy waterfall

The blinding shine of that perfect diamond

The painful inhale after a minute underwater

Sharp tingles stinging my lungs

And with the pain -

Exhilaration as my brain is flooded with oxygen

My eyes purified by the light

My soul cleansed in the inevitable washing away of what was

The cherished rocks in my hands released in the power

Along with the bag of habit I had been carrying

My tender skin crying out under the unyielding rushing of water

While the dirt in my cuts are cleansed out

It is both

The agony of losing someone beloved

And the humble purification of the soul

Even though I can’t imagine these moments without him

I surrender, I must surrender

I cannot stand tall in this monstrous wave

But I can swim through it …

And relish in his gift

The gift of remembrance

Remembering that I have life

Another day to love and learn

Another day to breathe