What is Grief?

`What is grief? but the Tower that once stood tall and whole,
That now implodes beginning to crumble and fall 
The very foundation split asunder, no longer able to
Support what has been built with love and care.

What is grief? but the shattered dreams dreamt  
Once upon a time that in taking shape from  
Thought to form, Poof and Undone before 
Completely formed and dashed upon the shores 
Where tears shatter like crystal tossed.

What is grief?  but the void at the center of your soul
Now emptied of the comfort lost by the life stolen,
Now gone from sight and touch, but not forgotten,
Never far from thought or longing.

What is grief? but the heart-stricken aloneness 
Only you can feel, your world upended and tossed in 
The winds of uncertainty and dismay, the loss of
The hand once warm and strong, shared laughter and 
Tears and endearments now gone.  

What is grief but the inability to have a chat,
To call you, or text you, laugh with you, sharing
A private joke that only we understand, listening to 
Your plans for the now and for the future and 
Sharing our day-to-day news and stories. 

These are all what make up the deep waters and drowning undertow, that is grief. 

~2023 Koneta