I. DENIAL

They lie to me 

and say that you are not here.

But the wind still blows,

the sky still blue, the grass green.

I will see you tomorrow.

II. ANGER

The smoky outline

of all those that I have lost

are my elephants 

in the room, never leaving.

"Please, please go away," I say.

III. BARGAINING

Compromising with

a God that never hears me.

"I'll make and exchange,"

I say, "take me, but leave them."

The world will be much better.

IV. DEPRESSION

My feet drag along  

the sidewalk, whose cracks

mirror those of my heart.

No destination in mind,

I end up at the cemetery.

V. ACCEPTANCE

Everything happens

for reasons I may never

come to understand.

But I can sleep better now

knowing you are at peace.