When You've Lost a Loved One...

This is a poem I wrote after my father's death in 2018l. I wrote it as a sonnet in the style of Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889), one of my favorite poets.  It is a reminder to me that I am not alone in my emotions.  

Sonnet to Grief
for Poppa
 
Grief, my old friend, have you come back to me?
Have you come with your laments my soul to ream,
to taste my salted tears which earthward stream
and fall upon his grave? When’er I see
grey, cloudy sky behind a barren tree
or hear some sad piano sound its theme
and feel the ache that grips my heart, I dream
of him, what was, and what will never be.
 
Ah grief, let me your sorrows, tears sustain!
For I remember Him who also grieved,
shed tears, for loved ones lost, and yet relieved
them, no, raised them! from their suff’rings and pain.
Yes, grief, I welcome you, bear me your harms,
your pain, sorrow, and toss me to His arms.