I wait because

the world goes on despite grief
our loved-ones warm in graves
while friends and acquaintences
congregate with their own lives
having paid genuine respect

I wait because I've been there
watching those cars drive by
from the burial site or window;
families enroute to a day out
nothing in their world seemingly
shattered or displaced

I wait because Monday comes
nonetheless, followed by the week;
a corporate cog churning nonstop
for quota of productive deadlines
while our mother's dresser
father's recliner, or grandparents'
bobby pins and cardigans
remain as they were left

Or, our son's and daughter's cry
in the delivery room haunting us;
their first kick to the womb
a miscarried memory now
torn between pain and joy
of an empty nest

I wait because we don't forget
your bereavement
the first holiday without them
or birthday, yours or theirs
now absent of presence

I wait until you think
you're alone and forgotten
so you can take comfort
in the condolences
that you're not

I wait because I understand
being a twig on a mighty oak
becoming a branch followed
by the trunk and roots holding
it all together in loss

I wait because I am here for you
and remember their contribution
to Life and Love fondly
whether their legacy be a son
daughter, mother, father
brother, sister, cousin,
aunt, uncle, grandparent
friend . . .

I wait as a dandelion disperses
itself into surviving seeds
of wishes and dreams
~