The Pick Up

I
picked
up
my
son
on
a
cold
rainy
day
his
6’3”
frame
reduced
to
ashes

ashes
contained
in
a
plastic
box

I
took
his
remains
surprised
by
their
heaviness
placing
him
on
the
seat
next
to
me

I
cried
and
cried
and
cried

I
arrived
home
exhausted
by
sorrow
weak
vulnerable
unwilling
unable
to
show
anyone
else
Nathan’s
ashes
the
sorrow
the
exhaustion
the
despair
was
too
overwhelming