My heavy heart braves the day
Like a sun-ripenened raspberry, bulging and quivering
On the verge of disbursement

What do you call the pain on your chest?
"Loss" is the name I say.
Loss of love, of trust, of happiness, of strength.
Loss of family, of safety, of faith, of me.

So many losses, too many to count--
That bear weight on my chest each day.
And when a compassionate soul comes my way-
The floodgates open
A torrent of repressed tears.
Sweet catharsis; grief unleashed