Grief Waves Poem by Stanley Arumugam

Everyone thinks I'm OK
I'm back at work - smiling
I feel in control - back to myself
Making my living adjustments

Someone says something small

Like a wave the tears flood over me
I'm thrown off my feet - gasping for air
I panic as the currents pull me deeper
Then on other days I am washed out
Drenched like Jonah on the seashore

I walk slowly back - shaken, afraid
Embracing my new calling - finding myself
I settle next to the warm winter fireplace
Just now, life feels OK, I am home