I introduced myself as chaplain to a patient’s wife in the hospital, a man who came in for a minor problem. We briefly talked…When I met her the next morning, he had died unexpectedly during the night. Our brief interaction the day before opened up a safe space for her grief. Later I had to create some haiku and a “grief” collage for my own process.

Walk into the woods
Surrounded by large darkness
With shapes barely seen.

No joy is found there
Time stands still with jolting loss
Heart aches in darkness.

In the midst of cold,
Thin, gold stream of light appears;
Stand and receive warmth.

The warmth touches ache
The woods begins to take shape
I find my next step.

Slow, lonely journey,
Retreating when I need to,
To rest and weigh grief.

Walk into the woods
Little girl befriending wolves
Warm shelter awaits.