{mally powell}

Grief is a funny bugger - 28 September 2018

Grief is a funny bugger isn’t it?

I was walking by the marina earlier and noticed a circle of ripples suggesting that a cormorant had just dived under. Sure enough, after watching for a few moments I saw one bob up between the next row of boats and paddle around for a moment before dipping back out of site beneath the water.

It was the sort of thing that would have delighted Dad, and I felt a warm glow of connection to him that put an extra bounce in my step.

Grief is a funny bugger - 27 September 2018

Grief is a funny bugger isn’t it?

 

As I walk through a packed St Pancras International I become aware of singing. Warm, rich voices in unison.

 

As I move through the station, closer to the sound, I realise that a large group in African dress - a family maybe - are gathered around the Eurostar international arrivals door as a train empties, waiting for someone to appear and singing what I assume is a song of welcome. 

 

The sound is joyous, their excitement and anticipation tangible even through a crowd. 

 

The wave of loss it provokes is immediate and so intense that inconvenient tears flow as I continue to my platform.