AFTER THE RAIN

 

Tragedy bursts into our lives like a sudden thunderstorm

raining down grief, 

sorrow 

heartache

and once the rain subsides

leaving a path of sadness and destruction in its wake.

And though the initial tragedy may take but a moment

the heartache and sorrow remain

once the clouds have departed 

and the sun returns….

long after the rain.

Feelings of sadness from a tragedy

often linger after the rain

because there is no time limit on sorrow

no deadline to a person’s pain.

When we know someone who’s experienced a tragedy

who’s sorrow will not fade away

and we’re at a loss not knowing what to do

how to act 

or even what to say…

Sometimes the best we can do is sit with them in silence

nothing spoken…

nothing planned.

and let them rest their head upon our shoulders

while we gently hold their hand.

To show them that whatever happens

we will follow where they lead…

to offer them our friendship 

and let them know

they can take as much time as they need.

For though we cannot take away their sorrow…

perhaps we can absorb some of their pain…

each time their memories and their sorrow returns…

long after the rain.