How To Write a Poem About Grief

Love and admire someone Deeply, Build a castle with him Brick by brick, Paint the walls with frescoes, Draw dreams. Hold him When the illness comes, Cook him chicken broth, Kiss his sweaty forehead, Suction his wounds, Puff his pillows. Drive him to the hospital, Listen to the whirs in the room, Check the lines on the monitors, Introduce yourself to every nurse Shift after shift, Bargain with God. Sign “Do not resuscitate,” Watch his chest heave, Leave the room When they pull out the tubes, Come back, Sense his heart beat Stop. Lay your head on his shoulder, Memorize him, Lie to the nurse That you are ready To say goodbye. Brush your fingers across his cheek, Press his bruised lips, Twist your neck as you Walk away, Touch the cold doorjamb, Write what you feel. @Tess Harvester 2013