On love and loss
Stephen Crane understood this
Stephen Crane:
A man said to the universe
“Sir, I exist”
“However,” replied the universe
“That fact has not created in me
A sense of obligation.”
I lost my husband a year or so ago
Lost. Such a stupid euphemism.
He’s not lost.
I know exactly where he is – and it is the one place I cannot go
To bring him home.
Gone home. There’s another one.
Careful, gentle phrasing.
But I’m home. He’s not with me.
What other ways is death described?
Terms that aren’t as gentle for sure.
He kicked the bucket.
An old farming trope, that. Callous.
Kindof like “don’t cry over spilt milk.”
Or...what would doctors say?
He expired. Right. Just like that milk.
And I cry all the same.
The kindest, easiest term is that
He passed away...it is a bit more accurate, I think.
He passed through this world on his way
to a place I cannot yet follow
Time has passed.
I continue to mourn, quietly.
I don’t think that goes away.
They say you grow through it, around it.
And eventually you rejoin the world
And begin again.
And I have. I’m good (mostly).
I’ve moved on -or at least I moved away.
New life, new places, even new love.
But a deep sadness came with me.
Part of me now, the wound healed but still tender.
I know. It takes time.
So I’m getting on with my life
Except when I’m not.
Except when I stare out the window
Or lie awake in bed
Or write futile, angry words
At an indifferent universe.
About the Creator
Jill Harper-Judd
I've been writing poetry and short stories since childhood....but my life has often been chaotic so (mental) space to write can be hard to find. I am a lover of words and the worlds we can create with them. I seek beauty in all things.
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Outstanding
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Compelling and original writing
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Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
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It's so impressive! I love it!