Today I Watched Grief Passing By

Today I reflect on a connection lost
A friendship expired one year gone
I think about how little of me was seen
The real me, under the surface, remained unobservable
Despite efforts to the contrary
Despite offerings of what lives in me

Today I think about all the tenderness I felt
That they could just never hold on to
That I couldn’t place their fingers around 
Not knowing if it was their failure
Or mine

Today I remember
It’s impossible to see the reality of anyone 
No matter how close to you 
With eyes clouded with anger’s toxic pollution 
And heart choked in rage’s deadly vice

Today I wish them so much peace 
I want as badly today as I did back then 
For them to find joy and acceptance in connection 
And I’m only still just a little bit sad 
That I won’t get to experience it 
For what a precious connection that would be 
How fortunate are those who find themselves there some day

Today I feel this childlike grief   
Drawn towards completion  
The final turn of its cycle, I think 
Drawn to one last denouement  
Closed with a wish:

May they learn to let that rage that haunts them
Fade away 
So they may find the harmony
That I know would make the world a better place  

January 29, 2025