Preparing for a special night. A night of reflections for those who have lost loved ones. A night to remember those no longer with families and friends. A night to remember those still aching the loss. And so on this night of frigid cold and winter’s first snow, from the hearth of a little ponderer, a humble scrich to honor their path.

After All 

I don’t understand.

The why hangs upon my shoulders

Like a winter coat three sizes too big.

The “how will I” is just too deep

There are no words that fit.

These thoughts weigh so heavy

They are like squatters when I am alone. 

 

And yet, and yet I know

Though thoughts in my head

You are listening and hear.

Another precious conversation

Like so many I thought we’d share.

Like so many we did share.

Only death makes the two seem different.

 

Your absence leaves my body frozen

But even an oversized coat is warm.

Its size, perhaps, leaves room for two.

Like a hand in a glove

Together we slip into the why and how.

The questions turn into conversation

And slowly, together, I feel the thaw.

 

Our voices have changed.

I miss the old and cherish the new.

The coat is thawing the whys and hows.

In time, I will find patience.

For now, I pause to reflect

To savor your warm presence.

After all,

We are still in conversation.