Save Grief
for Andrea
Dear girl, some fourteen years ago your pet Cockatiel died, and your eyes were wet, And, wanting much to set Priorities for you, Whose loved father had died just two Years earlier, I tried with verse to imbue The little bird with import which it lacked, By making bewilderment refrac- Tory at the final act, And tears helpless response, Our only grace. So did I once Hope and attempt to shield you. Death affronts Again, however: out of the darkness leapt A deer, to make you feel inept Because your headlights kept It hypnotized the split Second it took your car to hit; You suffer guilt despite the illogic of it.
Too—easy grief doesn't strengthen the spirit. All—heart is indiscriminate. It's time, now, you knew it.
Too harsh? Perhaps too lame? No. Too easy to take the blame; Feel full responsibility, glorious shame.
David Galler
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