One Year Later

My grief greets me silently these days
and gently pulls me into an embrace

rain falling on my face
an outstretched branch overhead
a neighborhood stray lending me audience
a visit from another kindred spirit

I now see how
my grief protects me
and points me towards nourishment
whatever that may be
or look like at the time

my grief does not
blame or judge me

my grief says to me
“you’re still here”

and reminds me
to let go of superficial urgencies
to savor what is important
and to, in fact,
practice indulging in it
when ever I am able