I cautiously watch the water
            as it moves along the shore
                        creeping closer to the sand
                                    around my feet.

Beyond the crashing waves, where
           the water is deepest green
                        the ocean mirrors the depth
                                    of my grief.

My grief is like the ocean,
            sorrow coming in like waves,
                        sometimes gentle like a ripple
                                    on the sea.

 Other times it just engulfs me
            with crushing waves of sadness
                        as undertows of despair
                                    wash over me.

 Some days I wade out in it
            splashing memories with my feet
                        recalling days of sunshine
                                    on my face.

Stepping through the foamy edges
            never venturing out so far
                        that larger waves can threaten
                                    their embrace.

Then when I least expect it
            this freak of nature soaks me
                        in reality so painful
                                    that I fall. 

The sorrow and the anger
            that I’ve fought with day to day
                        surge through me in a tidal
                                    free-for-all. 

One day when I’m much stronger
            and my grief is not so new
                        I’ll swim just like I used to
                                    do before. 

I’ll take pleasure in the memories,
            and tread water in those places
                        that we can’t share together
                                    anymore.

~ Copyright, Ferna Lary Mills.  This poem is available on a beautiful framed print at Rainbow Faith Gifts.