LOSS

She had always loved
the twinkling lights
upon the tree.

Her eyes now
were still. Dry.
Mine dampened.

Peering into her
seeking the familiar joy,
I found only a fading spark.

Her tongue was parched.
Her lips cracked…
Mine quivered.

My cheeks glistened
as I failed
to hold back tears.

My throat tightened
as it choked
on swallowed salt.

Her courageous heart
was silent.
Mine pounded… longing to follow.

Gathered with grief,
I am alone…
Christmas, no longer a joy.

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved

LOSS— At this moment

At this moment, I feel profound sadness.
Our collective shock and sadness deserve to be
given space and kindness— a pause is needed.
Then again, we can resume loving, healing,
tending to Mother Earth, and truth-telling.

As I have walked my path, I have been shown
the truth that no matter what happens—
everything is ultimately going to be okay.

Now more than ever I honor
my mother,
my grandmother,
and Mother Earth—
Deeper than ever—
I honor indigenous peoples.

LOSS

She had always loved
the twinkling lights
upon the tree.

Her eyes now
were still. Dry.
Mine dampened.

Peering into her
seeking the familiar joy,
I found only a fading spark.

Her tongue was parched.
Her lips cracked…
Mine quivered.

My cheeks glistened
as I failed
to hold back tears.

My throat tightened
as it choked
on swallowed salt.

Her courageous heart
was silent.
Mine pounded… longing to follow.

Gathered with grief,
I am alone…
Christmas, no longer a joy.

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved

HAIKU 0121

As the palm trees swayed,
Milton spawning tornadoes…
Twisting path of grief.


My heart goes out to all impacted by Hurricane Milton. Godspeed in your recovery.

Copyright David Hoffmann © 2024 – All Rights Reserved