Denial.
The first stage of loss.
“No, they’re not gone.
Why would they be?
They’ll be home when
I get there,
Won’t they?”

Anger.
Two on our list.
“Don’t you dare tell me
That they aren’t here!
You know they are!
Shut up!
Stop!”

Bargaining.
Three.
“What if I had done
Something different?
What if I turned left
Instead of right?
What if...”

Depression.
Number four.
“Leave me alone.
No.
I really don’t
Want to
Talk
About it.”

Acceptance.
The last.
“It took so long,
But now I know
That they are
In a better place.
I have loved,
And lost.”