Dia De Los Muertos
The sun was setting as I linger at the stop sign, eventually turning and exiting the cemetery. Alone in my car, I am emotionally and creatively overwhelmed, and welcome the insular silence of the car. The accumulation of experience, connection, joy, grief, and community had left me both drained and energized.
I drive, eyes not quite adjusted to twilight;
I reflect on the honesty, vulnerability, and strength of our small group as we stood in the cold wind and waning daylight.
I drive, the darkness slowly dominating the landscape;
I let my mind wander in, around, and through the family and friends I've lost, and search for their presence.
I drive, night now omnipresent;
I give thanks to those departed, and those still here, and to those who welcomed me with open arms to an evening of celebration, family, tradition, loss, and growth.
I drive, no longer alone.
//
Standing in a sea of concrete memorials.
Ignoring the chill of the cold breeze and setting sun.
The cemetery caretaker waits in the distance, respectfully impatient.
We all linger, reluctant for the evening's celebratory remembrance to end prematurely.
