Grief seems to find me
When I least expect it to
Like on this day in June
During a trip to the ocean with you
After a long swim
I fall onto my back beside you on the blanket
You turn toward me
Lifting yourself up on your side
“Hey,” you say
Your voice solicitous
I put my hand over my face
Which is wet with salt water and tears
I am embarrassed
When you ask, “What’s wrong?’ I do not answer
But you pull my hand away
Which makes me cry harder somehow
Then you kiss me on my forehead
And then both cheeks and my lips
When I try to pull away
You grab my head with both your hands
Holding me in place
While making your funniest faces
And speaking in your over-exaggerated Spanish accent
Until I am laughing instead of crying
You laugh too, and roll on top of me
Gently laying your head on my chest
Where we stay
Breathing in unison
Until we drift off into a mid-day nap
– Robert A. Cozzi
