People say it takes a while
for it to sink in
the grief you feel
will somehow go away
over time.

I guess that’s the problem
“People say” not “people promise”
They’re empty words
Like a pot with no water
or a bird without wings.

“I’m so sorry for your loss”
they say, engulfing you in hugs.
You peer over their shoulder
at the line of people
who will utter the same thing.

Suddenly, you can’t bear it
the meaningless words,
the tearful eyes.
All of it will break you down
and make you snap like a twig.

You escape, running to the place
where you always went with him.
Your brother, your bro, your best friend.
The memories crash over you
All those times he played with you, all those times…

It’s too much
thinking about the good times
when he obviously was hurting.
Had he always been sad?
Did he think about you before...before…