Tears and Wings

The illness
that found us

a heart
punctured by betrayal

cold mother arms

the burial

the child –
leaving

the friend –
lost

the fire
that took our past.

We were
almost
unfindable
in the dark

almost
buried
with our beloveds

almost
trapped
in the underworld.

The shadows,
though,
shaped us,
sculpted a new form
born
from the descent
into
the other places
the Sacred lives.

We are
weathered
and
scarred,
weathered,
scarred.

We have
wrangled
with dark Angels.

We have
learned the songs
of each loss.

Our Light
still glowing
in the ashes.

Light
that will not be extinguished.
Wings sprouting.

Wings
rising now,
ready to fly
into the tired arms
reaching for help
in their dark night
in our tear-drenched world.

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Questions for Contemplation

This poem can be an invitation to reflect on loss in your life. Is there a loss that comes to mind that you would like to contemplate? When it feels like the right time, find a comfortable place for this deep consideration.

In addition to reflecting on the grief and pain that likely ensued, and may still be present, here are some additional questions to ask yourself when you are ready:

How did you grow and change as a result of this loss?

What have you learned about yourself? Others?

How did this ‘shadow descent’ shape you?

What gifts have you unearthed that you can use to help others?

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