The grief we’re not allowed to feel
Can somehow still be very real
Like how I cried for my best friends dog
When he peed on her leg
She knew it was love
12 years that boy had been chosen family
Who wiggled his whole self for his favourite Auntie
I think of the man behind the counter
That was an unexpected encounter
I came to return my mums medication
Another box ticked, I felt no hesitation
Professionally, he apologised for my loss
Then read the name on each little box
I noticed his eyes fill up with tears
Lyns gone? He whispered. I’ve known her years
We’re not supposed to take to our beds
And suffer the loss of our best friends pets
No time off work is permitted to heal
When you lose a customer who made you smile
The grief we’re not allowed to feel
Can somehow still be very real