It’s like sludge
Beginning to fill my lungs
I know this feeling
I knew it was coming
It always returns
Loss becomes me
I am not scared
Not as I was last year
I know you are here
I know that in the end I will find only this
I can endure this storm
I’ve encountered much more menacing beasts
I smile at myself in the mirror
Like that of an encouraging mother
I am finding my footing
Wedding ring
I miss it so much
Still fits perfectly
Like it knows it was always destined for this home
Everything I never knew I wanted
My thoughts vacillate
Following the flood waters
Creeping into the cracks of my foundation
Damaging all I can see
For miles
I remain so calm
While the chaos rages
Inches below my surface
Is this what grief really feels like?
I wish we had met sooner…
It’s like sitting down
To your favorite bowl of soup
Even though your sick
You’re heart steadies
And your spirit warms
The Optimistic Widow 