I have seen close enough
the long aching pain
the death of a child brings a mother.

I know, too,
in a different way,
what it is like to lose a brother.

I have heard
deep, choking sobs
break loose in the night,

felt warm tears
against my own skin,
known the emptiness of words.

I have felt fear
in the agonizing nearness
of death’s deep shadow,

been gripped by awe
at the wonderful witness
of others’ faith held near.

I have felt the chill
of anger,
sorrow’s growing heat,

and have walked
in some of those places
where no one goes by will.

In the longest shadows
where grief grows so heavy
it can snap bones,

it is the sound of voice
and not the words,
tells us we are not alone.

Dawn softly glows
beyond the distant ridge
and the full moon begins to fade;
even after the sleepless night
yet shall come the Day.

H. Arnett
2/21/14