Sweat My Prayers

We lost a life tonight.

My evening of sadness and agitation brought on tears and a visceral tension that could not be expressed in words.

Emotions made me weak, so I slept.

I woke to my husband watching The Alvin Ailey Dance Company on PBS. I could feel their movement, like waves of tension and release.

My body recalled the rhythms of dancing Revelations when I sweat my prayers.

I sang the old songs while wrapped in blankets, then, overheated, I took off the layers, and let the fan cool my mind.

The mourning was over and I felt grateful to have allowed my grief.

Sleepy now, my head rests heavy on the pillow. I am able to move on as the dark night calls me and calms me into peace.