The Thing Is…
BY ELLEN BASS
to love life, to love it even
when you have no stomach for it
and everything you’ve held dear
crumbles like burnt paper in your hands,
your throat filled with the silt of it.
When grief sits with you, its tropical heat
thickening the air, heavy as water
more fit for gills than lungs;
when grief weights you down like your own flesh
only more of it, an obesity of grief,
you think, How can a body withstand this?
Then you hold life like a face
between your palms, a plain face,
no charming smile, no violet eyes,
and you say, yes, I will take you
I will love you, again.
(painting by me! “Girls at Grandmas before Church” 2023)
Grief can manifest as an all-encompassing presence that reshapes our understanding of life and love. In artistic expressions, such as poetry, the exploration of grief becomes a vital way to process complex emotions. The line between despair and acceptance is often fluid, highlighting our struggle to find beauty even in moments of profound sorrow. Techniques such as art therapy showcase how creative outlets can aid in navigating grief. As artists and writers channel their experiences, they foster connections that remind us we are not alone in our feelings. By expressing these emotions, whether through writing or visual art, one can find solace and comfort amid pain. Incorporating elements of personal reflection within your work, much like Ellen Bass, allows readers to engage deeply with these experiences. Art provides a unique lens through which the abstract concept of grief can be explored, offering different perspectives on the human condition. Embracing both the weight of sorrow and the lightness of life's joy enables individuals to develop a more profound sense of empathy and understanding. It encourages us not only to acknowledge our feelings but also to accept them as part of our life journey. Ultimately, the resilience of the human spirit shines through art, underlining the message that despite grief's heaviness, we can choose to love and embrace life fully again.
