grief again

the lover I know so well
arrives

I slide into your arms
so familiar
as if it is home to me

and I cycle through
anger, bargain,
I was never much for denial
that seems like cowardice
not to face truth
quickly
so familiar

I wonder if
I should take time off
as I promised myself
if needed to heal

do I want to heal

that is the question

I could work harder
until my immune system
fails again
and calls the strep
to put me down

I could sit in the chair
and this time

let the sand run out

12/18/15