I've Seen Grief

I've seen grief in the form of quiet tears in the dark of night.

I've seen grief in the form of checkered pillows to muffle the screams.

I've seen grief in the form of cigarette smoke puffing in from the garage.

I've seen grief in the form of wine poured to blot out the stains of death and sorrow.

I've seen grief in the form of shut doors and tiny snaps about the littlest problems.

I've seen grief in the form of nasty comments because they remind you of what's been lost.

I've seen grief in the form of heated arguments, of grown men at a children's playground.

I've seen grief in the form of cuts on wrists that bleed out what thoughts cannot.

But

I've seen grief in the form of written words that trill like songbirds

Though the song is sad indeed.

And I've seen grief in the form of colorful balloons

Released to heaven where the beloved be.

I've seen grief play out in an artistic piece

When music is the only way to speak.

I've seen grief in the form of a sympathetic tear -

A tear that tells stories of realms of sorrow.

I've seen grief in a prayer to God Almighty

Who hears when his Chosen call.