photo #6635251

Grief is hard. It is relentless And exhausting, And a constant reminder Of the void in our lives. Grief is painful.A physical painWithin our chest,Reminding us That our hearts have splintered. Grief is exhausting. It takes everything To keep going. Day after day,To live for our loved ones. Grief is isolating.We feel alone,As if no one understands. As if we are drowning,And no one notices That we don’t know how to swim. Grief is scary. The thoughts in our headsGet dark and real. They tell us “just let go,”As if no one would careIf we slipped away. But we are not alone. So many others know this pain,They feel this void, too. So say their name. Tell the stories Of those you’ve lost. Tell me about your person,And smile at the good memories.Cry for their absence,You are safe to grieve here. We are not alone. We are not alone. We are not Alone. -Jessica VanNeste