Twins

Joy does not bring lasting relief
From feeling the suffering of the world
Birdsong, flowers, dogs playing
Might buy momentary reprieve
But Grief often prevails

I am not the easy enabler
Who generously offers platitudes
For those crying woe is me
Over the petty dramas of life
Seeking comfort is an addiction

Cry on someone else’s shoulder
Don’t dump Grief on me
He is your responsibility
Adulting is hard–brutal
Accept that suffering is part of life

Resilience, integrity, courage
Are your birthrights–claim them
Accept and normalize Grief
Incorporate depression
Welcome Him with open arms

Eventually we all must mother ourselves
And that means walking away
From the emotional stories
That hold sway
To seek Truth instead

And that means
Having the wisdom to know
That Joy and Grief are twins
Inseparable
A mother loves both equally

Don’t drown Grief in alcohol
Don’t try to fix him with health fads
Don’t give him to another to mother
Poor little guy
He is perfect as-is

When I am nursing Grief
Yes, you’ll see my tears
When I am nursing Joy
You’ll hear my laughter
I love them both dearly…

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