Waves and Waves

waves and waves of grief

in the middle of an ocean

trying to stay afloat on a plank of redwood

at times succeeding

at times tumbling and falling

your balance is a fleeting joy

the next wave with its claw-like crests

drag you down 

by your hair 

and hold you there

under water

just beneath the surface

because you can't die just yet

it's not your turn

you are up and out

and breathing razor sharp cold air

fists up and ready to go again

but who are you fighting really?

your own anger and denial

your own grief and sadness

your own broken heart

your own damn self.  

i could feel forever

for as long as there are storms  

i could write endlessly

for as far as the ocean flows

i could never stop

for the words are endless drops of seawater

the ocean never dries

when it does 

so will I.