She boxed her grief
in a big box
then in a medium box
then in a small box
then into a tiny box. 

She walked across
desert plains
walking long difficult terrain
until she reached
a small cave. 

Inside the cave
a curtain of
water fell
and behind this curtain
stood a shelf
where she put
her box of grief.

And the tears she collected
inside a transparent
bottle was filled completely
77 x 7

She walked back many
miles home.
Upon returning home
her grief was sat
stubbornly on
her shoulder.

Reminding her of
her children
that never drew breath
but taught her so much
about life’s way.

Her grief sits on top
of the shelf
as a small candle flickers
and a hope
is seen.