Wednesday, February 8, 2012

In Grief Shall We Find Joy

I had a dream once…
I was on a beach, and the sand was just warm enough to dispel the cold wind.
I was walking on the edge, an occasional wave covering the tops of my feet
I was watching a child, keeping him in sight at all times
I didn’t recognize the child, but I knew I was responsible for him.
I turned to watch a father building a castle with his daughter,
Feeling contented with the knowledge that he loved her.
When I turned to look for the little boy, he was gone.
I ran, frantically looking all around me, afraid he was gone forever.
Then just as I was ready to collapse on the sand in despair
I saw his head, barely visible above a vendor’s shack.
I ran to him, gathering him in my arms, so happy to have found him.
Suddenly I realized he was made of sand, & was slipping through my fingers.
I tried desperately to squeeze my fingers together
Hoping to hold on to even a few grains of him, but knowing he was lost.
I stood there and cried, feeling so guilty that I had not done my job.
As my vision became blurred by my tears, I saw a man
Walking along, picking up a handful of sand here and there
As if there were only certain shades and textures he was seeking.
I followed him, trying to figure out what he was doing
Asking what he was planning to create.
He answered me with a smile, holding out a handful of sand
I saw what he held, and dropped to my knees in gratitude
For in his hand was the one who was lost, shaped and molded with my tears.

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