You only realize the honesty in death when...

You only realize the honesty in death when loved souls do not home one too many nights
Why little boys have to die on Wednesday evenings in communities lack luster lack esteem is beyond the answers this citizenship has summoned thus far
Oh, the vulnerability of these bodies we love
We must have a paranoid love for our siblings
Especially since those whose blood etches the concrete are so profound
We must always treat them like
Hidden gems
Since their time of fruition may never come •

Death is one of the most difficult transitions any of us will face - for both the left behind and the deceased. We will never grow used to it. The first death is always the hardest, and while we may have developed coping skills to deal with subsequent deaths, we will never grow accustomed to the pain. Treasure your loved ones if you are able. Never settle for less than what you deserve from them... But if the time is ripe for mending relationships, give the relationship a chance. •

From Four Years in Chrysalis
© Aisha Tariqa Abdul Haqq Publishing
Follow @AishaTariqa for more daily poetry •