For a Friend, Who Has Lost Her Son
for Marilyn Levine
There are wounds too deep
to ever heal completely, questions
that will remain questions
all their lives, like widows
walking dark streets at night.
But he had a face, your son,
and a beautiful smile. He had
laughter, too, even amid the pain,
and a hunger for happiness
and love. These are the things
you must carry with you the rest
of your days, the things that will
keep him alive within you. Force
your face into his smile: soon
it will come naturally. Be joyful
despite this most unspeakable
of tragedies. Laugh in his name.
Then laugh in your own.