Grief

Elaheh Farmand

Grief is magnetic and magenta
heavy and dark, solid and fluid
Grief is a heavy suitcase
Grief is mother’s impromptu tears, outbursts, unexpected hugs
Grief, unlike my father’s casket, cannot be buried

Grief is a long train ride, with many mid-way stops
Grief is a shadow, always following, always ahead
Grief is untimely laughter and bursts of energy
Grief is unkind

Grief is a strange friend
hollow and full
Grief can only be understood
by those who experience it
Grief is a cruel blessing in disguise
Grief is a long heartache
Grief is an invitation
into a new portal of self

Elaheh Farmand is an Iranian immigrant and writer. In 2016, she founded the series, “Immigrants & Exile: Stories of Nostalgia & Longing”. The series gives space for people to share their experiences of nostalgia, exile, and longing. Elaheh fights for and dreams of a society restructured to place people’s needs and wellbeing before profits. She is occasionally nostalgic for her childhood in Iran, but focuses her energy on organizing, connecting with her community, her family and friends.

Editors’ note: Our dear comrade and contributing editor Elaheh Farmand lost her father recently. She wrote this poem expressing her grief. We extend our condolences to her and her family.