Speak lightly then of grief, and careful tread;
For many secrets known are borne alone,
And far within belief, the honored dead
Must make their way, but never leave our home.

Do you the secret know that dulls this pain?
Have you the words of wisdom few have seen
That sprinkles anesthetic on the soul
Of those whose world is torn, whose minds careen?

I say you don’t; I say nobody does
Of those of us who claim the mortal veil;
There’s many hearts gone deeper than we know,
In songs of grief as wondrous as the whale.

    Speak lightly then of those whose heads are bowed,
    And seek only to love – not play the crowd