Ways of Grieving by Ruth O'Callaghan

Ways of Grieving

Perhaps we should grieve
                         as elephants grieve

holding the bones
                 of our ancestors                                         
close

in clear air
       where a drip of light
               that falls between trees

catches the leaves' rustle
                                     before rain

the muted croo-croo of doves
                                         in shadows
where the river winds

       or watch in the snowlight
for stars
                   paled
in a winter sky
              that casts beyond
what is known

              how ice cracks in the dying
fall of night

                     or how elephants tread
marvel at whiteness
                                           Light         Bone