Honeysuckle

and grief

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Photo by Anya Chernykh on Unsplash

Dark tendrils wrap my feet
Lingering sweetness;
out of reach.
A warm summer sunset breeze.

Death, my loyal consort;
--Omnipresent.
As the branches I grasp crack and splinter.
Hands perfumed with musty earth.

Grief swells into my throat
flooding my vision.
A river too deep to wade.
I walk away.

Footsteps thrum within my chest as gongs.
Silent but getting faster.
Knots twisting in my belly.
I walk away.

Within the darkness of my solitude,
I sit within my grief.
Knees buckle beneath the weight.
A red beast rising from the depths to drag me under.
Enmity etched in his bones.

Deep
Red
Angry
Hungry
We meet and we are one.

Flood breaking into choking sobs;
I stay.
Chest expelling retched howls.
I stay.
Until I lay in the silt of the empty river bed.
I stay.

From behind closed eyes, I emerge.
From a chrysalis of dirt.
Damp silt drips from extended arms as wings.

I am cold as I envelop myself in a blanket of kindness.
I am afraid as I hold myself with love.
I am the child
I am the mother.
I am vulnerable,

                                                 joy                                            Understanding
                                                                               Fear
                     Grief                                  joy
                                                 Love
                                                                                            joy    
                                                                    
                                                                      joy?

                                                                     ohh 

                                                              Dare I say  it? 


                                                                     JOY 

From the darkness
She shines her light,
Illuminating my shadowed heart.
I extend my muddy hands.
Welcome home.
©2025 Andrea Curran

Want more poetry? Check these out:

Unbound

Life's First Spark

Patchouli and Lavendar

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I’ll leave the light on for you! Much Love — Andy