Grief Riddim

Things to breathe in and out before a new week.

Lately, everyone is grieving something. Grappling with loss.

Loss of self. Loss of a loved one. Loss of a close bond. Loss of a dream. Loss of innocence. Loss of peace. Loss of autonomy.

Life is hard. Poetry is hard. Freedom is hard. It can all seem so pointless hoping or fighting for more.

This is a different letter to what I thought I would be writing but - Perhaps the point of this newsletter is nothing other than to say that I feel it, too. And like you, I’m crossing all my fingers and squeezing my eyes shut, hearing nothing but my own despair and prayers. A smoke that rises up to heaven pleading that July will be better (we’re in July, right?!). That the pains hurt less. That the uncertainty of circumstance doesn’t overwhelm us any further.

This week:

Breathe.

It is good to be good to yourself. I hope you find the bravery within you to make the time.

I hope you get out of your own way more often.

I hope you feel loved, despite everything.

I hope you give yourself more second chances.

I hope you realise that the “worst things that could happen” don’t have to finish you.

I hope you see there is still so much to live for.

I hope you believe in yourself again.

I’ll be writing to you more.

With love,

Sanaa