Combined Mass
by Carmen H Gray
Those tears flowed
They were from the eyes
Of a little girl I knew
I saw glimpses of
Incarnations of You
Folded into my arms
What sorrow’s songs are enacting
Heartstring disarms
Revealing a reflection
Molting, transmuting
An old wound demands recollection
In one form or another
Study it, hold it
Protect it like a mother
Or, like the mother who you had to protect
Release, let go
Put it with the other baggage you’ve checked
All of the combined mass
Of a grief held stationary
Set into motion at last