C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed ....by an Artist

Maybe more than two weeks have passed since I cried even a tear. I don't keep track, but it's been the better part of February. The last time was a good cry. Anguish.

Grief is not lineal. The journey is circular. C.S Lewis concluded the same and shared his observation in his 1961 book, A Grief Observed. I read his book this week. A very short four chapter journal of emotions, Mr. Lewis wrote his observations from the path trudged by humans forever.

Some people appreciate paintings. I love writings by people who make writing an art. I'm fond of the simple verse. They are deep and filled with power. The sentences of a man with an artistic pen speaks for us who write with crayons.

C.S Lewis--
Writing about grief anger: I was getting from it the only pleasure a man in anguish can get; the pleasure of hitting back.

What grief is like and how it compares to pain: Grief is lik a bomber circling round and dropping its bombs each time the circle brings it overhead; physical pain is like the barrage on a trench in World War One, hours of it with no let-up for a moment. Thought is never static; pain often is.

On selfish wishes for the deceased: Could I have wished her anything worse? Having got once through death, to come back and then, at some later date, have all her dying to do over again? They call Stephen the first martyr. Hadn't Lazarus the rawer deal?

These and more observations in his book I felt and contemplated over the last 2 1/2 years. Not in as articulate manner, but I stayed within the lines with my Crayola; especially the Lazarus comment. Definitely, Lazarus and his loved ones may have been the most abused by death and living.