with pockets full of stones
we spent the day at the beach
where we found
an urchin speckled bay

when I come home
grief still lingers by the porch
it’s dark and rainy out
and he wants some warm tea
we go inside
he doesn’t drink from his cup
it will be a long night
for he only leaves when he is finished

grief is still in the room
staring at my back
while tears stream down my face

I clean the sea urchins from their meat
and spikes and beaks
when the vinegar has stripped
the urchins from their seaness
I take them to him

we make art
when the last urchin has found their purpose
grief loosens his grip
and finishes his tea
when he stands up to leave
he says: Thank you, old friend