Ah Grief

Ah grief
said my friend
my mother’s scuffed black shoes
on the back seat
when I made my way
from the hospital
without her

To know grief
said the wind
is to rattle windowpanes
trouble the puddles
of every 
loss    shake
the rafters
of your heart

Knowing grief
said the teacup
is to spill 
bitterness
and compassion
read the leaves
wear the stain
like a tattoo


…after Alicia Ostriker’s The Blessing of The Old Woman, The tulip, and the Dog