Sitting Shiva after Sasha Wortzel

BY SAVANNAH SMITH

How are you supposed to hold me while I grieve?

By greeting you with memories of summer and good times. Take me to your happy place.

I’m struggling to sit with all the holes and gaps. There’s no happy place during a time like this.

But It’s all still connected isn’t it? Seep into the weaves of time. Where did you spend it together?

The family gathered for cookouts and we sat in the backyard. Now tears are washing down and I slip right off the seat.

Then let them carry you to the ocean where you’ll be reborn. I once was a snake, so I know rebirth well.

Even if I make it there, I can’t stand to see the blood orange shadow casted on the shore.

Well that’s only because it’s sunset. Brighter days are still ahead, and shadows don’t always linger

And what happens when the shadows lift? When I’m all alone, then what is left?

Now the memories are to scale and glisten like you see on mine. You can sit and reminisce until you’re unweighted by grief

I can’t sit forever though, right? How do I move forward after I’ve sat?

You fold me up and carry me with you. Rest assured that I’m always right by your side.