Less Awful

Grief
Makes helpers
Feel helpless
Mirrors their own worst fears
Leaves them wondering
If what they are doing matters
Depletes energy

It’s a long haul

Down a thankless road

It is not predictable

Or comfortable
Or pretty

So it’s no mystery

Why people avoid grief
And those who grieve

But grief appreciates a witness

Finds relief just by having

Its sheer awfulness
Acknowledged

Forgets itself

When invited
For a glass of wine
Or a walk

Is comforted by consistency

Even if it’s a text
Once a week
That says
Hi – on a scale of 1 to 10
How sucky is your day today

Is grateful for anyone

That will come along into the unknown
And admit that what used to be
Is no longer

Grief is pretty awful

But less awful
When there is company

Less awful

When brave souls 
Stay and witness
What can’t be
Rushed
Or fixed
Just acknowledged