Welling up inside, unexpected,

an uncomfortable balloon expands

Momentary worry because of wondering

just how big this feeling will become

~~~~

This time it was the angels that come out

once a year to decorate the tree,

each one lovingly penciled with our names

He carved them quite some time ago

with hands that now have been with the angels

for four years past. Him, the person

that first defined ‘safety’ in my world

~~~~

A memory of funny face and playful wave

making light of a terrible moment

knowing that this would be

our very last glimpse

of each other in this life

His body failing, my own family

calling me back to the other side of the world

The wooden angels remind me today

of this last great gift of kindness that he gave

~~~~

Grief is a funny beast, sleeping longer

and longer the older it grows, but then

waking up to roar even if just for a moment

Profound sadness, intertwined and softened

with love and laughter—and memories

~~~~

©Heather Pound 2021