I Guess. I am. Still. a Mourner. (Thirty days since Dad Died)

Warm tears running down my face Invade my sacred space Putting me back in my place Reminding me: I’m a mourner And my shoulders when they tremble Cause me to disassemble Piercing through the edifice I assemble To face the truth: I’m a mourner Then the welling up within my chest Speaks even louder than the rest Explaining why I’m not always my best Because: I’m a mourner Oh, we try to move so fast We so desperately want to get past This pain, we hope it won’t last Who am I kidding? I’m a mourner << Who would’ve thought I needed reminders? >> Modim anachnu lach I give thanks For unanticipated admissions Defying my presuppositions Forcing me to embrace new definitions About who I am: I am. Still. A Mourner.

Explore more poetry about mourning Papa (my dad, Ken Kipnes). Watch my videos about mourning Enjoy more of my spoken word poetry