Like a Phoenix

Poem by Bailey J. Crocoll of Cerro Coso Community College
2nd Place for College Poetry - 2017 Met Awards

Misery is felt in the lament of a mother,
the weight of raw grief,
an emotion unlike any other.

Light slants through stained glass,
throwing soft hues of color along the floor.
Hulking oak beams vault along the ceiling,
strong and unyielding.
Rows of  burning candles flicker,
silent.

Loss can be heard through the words gone unspoken,
the stutter of wounded breaths,
the sound of hearts that are broken.

The cavernous room echoes with
the patter of rain and the shuffle of feet.
Stifled sobs and a whisper of sadness,
ripple along the somber pews.
Grief prowls along the rows,
predator.

Despair is seen in the guests that stare,
unblinking in shock,
nursing an ache like a tear.

Trembling fingers trail slowly,
over a bleak wooden box.
Clouds of incense float,
unbothered by the audience that stands.
Eyes that are burning,
stricken.

Hope can be found in the words of the priest,
a guarantee of safety,
a promise of peace.

Voices are uplifted sweet,
united in song.
Reflections are shared,
about the son that was lost.
Slowly, there are smiles,
rising.

Love can be sensed in hands held tight,
whispers of "I love you" and
"It'll be alright."

The fragrance of flowers,
settles gently in the room,
worn bravely on shoulders
of those who were torn.
Secure grips that hug around shoulders,
healing

Life can be found in memories that spark,
unseen in their eyes,
 free of the ashes, they rise from the dark.

Like a phoenix.

Contributor's Note: Last month a friend of mine from high school, Phoenix, was killed at the age of nineteen in a motorcycle accident. This poem was written for him and the fond memories that we'll always relive.