Double Edges

Linden Tree at Clox

Photo by Judy Spoelhof

~~ Double Edges ~~

Life is a two edged sword these days.

Loss is hard and discombobulating

yet through the effort of adjusting

joys emerge as unexpectedly as

did the grief. Sorrow and joy flow

intermingled through my hours.

Sometimes I try to sort them out as if

warring and determined to compete -

although to no avail, for I’m learning

they are one and must find peace.

And should you hear me whine of loneliness, please

know, it’s not so much a craving for companionship

as craving that companion who has vanished

whose absence is a void impossible to fill.

Know also this. That void is only half the story

the other half is gently filling up with joy -

transforming joy with power to melt the sword

and meld both edges into one new life

where pain of loss will be subsumed, embraced

by wonder carried over from the past and

molded to a plowshare full of purpose.

Fit for service.  Joyful service.

JoMae
5/20/18