Absorption

Grief is a separate class of emotion.

No, it’s a bundle of many emotions

all vying for attention,

sometimes at the same time

and sometimes at different times.

Grief is a new layer of skin.

For awhile, it’s the surface layer.

Over time, it works its way into our being,

no longer the layer closest to the nerve endings,

but a new part of who we are in the world.

If we absorb it fully,

the pain, anger, denial, and sorrow transform

into reminiscence,

gratitude,

and a sweet sadness

that comforts a bit more

than it hurts.