Like High Tide in the Low Country

LIKE HIGH TIDE IN THE LOW COUNTRY

When a loved one passes
Grief initially washes over us
With a flood of tears and sorrow
Like high tide in the low country.
But, like the tide,
Tears come and go,
And the tears of sorrow begin to ebb
Replaced by tears of joy.
Tears that uncover forgotten memories
Of places visited and adventures shared,
Of sunrises and sunsets,
And long walks in summer rains.
Tears of joy that cloud the eyes
But wash over the heart
Like high tide in the low country.

                                      John Kassel   2023