Shell Among Starlight Glitter


When does empty
find the half cup?
The bit of hope
life can be full again.

I touch my cheeks
trying to find you,
because people told us
you looked just like me.

Night is a gray pillowcase,
shadows you once danced
through to the kitchen,
and a closed door you
will never open again. 

Why is a sea that splashes
me against the shore
leaving bits of my shell
among starlight glitter. 

I am learning to survive
the hollowness in me,
a broken hallelujah 
of a midnight choir.

You are there in the untouchable
I too will roam one day.
Like the plants in your room
I will drink light until I hear
my own song of wings. 

©Susie Clevenger 2025

What's Going On? ~ Grief


 

Comments

  1. Sherry Blue SkyMay 16, 2025 at 4:09 PM

    Oh Susie, this is absolutely beautiful. Elegaic, and so very moving. The sea stanza and your closing lines are my favourites but, truly, every line is breathtaking. She does look so much like you. Those radiant smiles. You will miss her "until I hear my own song of wings." Sigh. An ache in the heart, reading this.

    ReplyDelete
  2. rallentandaMay 16, 2025 at 6:52 PM

    Your grief expressed with great beauty and tears.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sumana RoyMay 17, 2025 at 7:03 AM

    I can so relate to this poem. The final stanza sums up the grit, grief and your spirit of beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  4. MaryMay 17, 2025 at 1:01 PM

    This is really stunning writing, which expresses grief so well.

    ReplyDelete
  5. SusanMay 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM

    This poem is haunting, full cloth! I cannot pull any lines out as each thread is blended so thoroughly into the complete picture of grief. I feel you. Brilliant writing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. purplepeninportland.comMay 18, 2025 at 5:14 PM

    "Why is a sea that splashes
    me against the shore
    leaving bits of my shell
    among starlight glitter. "

    This is such a graphic image for me.

    ReplyDelete

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