Poetry Reading on Grief & Loss | “The Language of Rain” by Delaina J Miller

This poem offers space to feel, remember, and grieve without needing to fix anything.

I wrote “The Language of Rain” on a day when it was raining and I was thinking about my brother who died too young and by his own hand. As I watched the rain I felt like the sky was crying for me and all of us that are missing the physical presence of our loved ones and friends.

 

The Language of Rain

What does a raindrop feel before it shatters on pavement? Does it scream? Does it find wholeness when it sees its own reflection in the puddle?

When it rains, I wonder what my brother’s last thoughts were. Held in Death’s embrace, his voice muffled by starling feathers in another realm. Back then, I missed his cry for help.

I still ask and listen.

If I learn the language of rain, would I hear his answer? Meanwhile, my hands instinctively cup and catch the droplets to place them gently in the chasm of puddles.

I’m not sure if it’s an act of penance or devotion. Or the buoyancy of hope that the voice of the unrescuable will float to the surface just to scream in a rainstorm.

©2025 Delaina J. Miller

I hope this poem speaks to you in the quiet ways love continues after our physical goodbyes. And brings you comfort in your own moments of sorrow. We are lucky to know grief because that means we know love.

In love, light, and poetry,
Delaina