Receiver of Grief
Overflowing outward, collapsing in
I am that well of cold black water
hopeless helpless shame
A pit concealed by flesh and bone and teeth
Feet and hands are numb, I am only the chest
Pressure continues to build behind my eyes they are not
Windows to my soul, they are mirrors of what I see in someone else’s
No room for soul anymore
only salt water
I consume the grief you’ve left me, am consumed
I am selfish with it, unwilling to share
Bright brine rimmed eyes spilling over as I dwell on it,
a moment suspended
What could I have done to make them stay
to live
Weary now but afraid of the raw absence, tomorrow a reminder
stay awake
stare up at nothing.
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Madeline N. Kelly is a freshman pursuing an exploratory course of study. Madeline is a reader, knitter, and tuba player.