I’m good…I’m fine…

“I’m good…I’m fine”, I say

When you ask how I am today

I can’t find the words to explain

How death and loss vibrate again

Every time I connect with the world

As our collective grief seems to unfurl.

That deep central ache burns

Ever stronger, as I yearn

For my mother’s presence.

I read and hear the nation’s sentiments

For our Queen and feel them acutely.

The narrative and reporting is too much for me.

That sharp wounding word – ‘death’

Though factually correct, can be brutal, best

Use it carefully: there may be some for whom

It is too stark, too final, leaving no room

For solace. Loss is loss, unique, life changing

So ‘I’m fine… I’m good….thank you for asking.’

Is what I’ll probably say,

When you ask how I am today.

18 Sept 2022