Joy and grief have made strange bedfellows in me
As my smile breaks so does my heart
I do not know when their synchronicity began
I do know I wish their relationship would end
Allowing me my lightness
Not pulled down by pain
This emotional eclipse as regular as heartbeats
A quiet walk in cool, cathedral woods
Interrupted by the unexpected sharp snap of a branch underfoot
Sending a flurry of birds screaming into the sky
Like storming clouds suddenly covering the sun on a perfect day
Of course joy needs pain so that they can tell themselves apart
Trauma and struggle have conjoined them in me
No scalpel skilled enough to detach them into their unique parts...
Or at least not yet
Behind each smile lies is a threatening tear
Every laugh has a sob waiting in the wings
I will chaperone this opposing pair
Let them fill me as they will
Sweet nectar and bitter pill
At least I'm blessed enough to feel
-gws
Words Wishes and Wisdom 