grief, shock and onions

Grief and shock are like an onion-

there are layers.
Every time I think I am "adjusting" 
another layer comes off,
reality becomes more real,
the illusion is more elusive.

Grief comes in waves-
sometimes gently lapping,
sometimes aggressive,
occasionally violent,
as time peels away shock 
and the protective layers of denial.

Happiness comes in waves too-
gently tapping at my heart,
frequently enough to give me hope
that it will one day regularly accompany
the joy that sustains me,
the hope that keeps the darkness at bay.

Peeling onions= tears.
Grief, shock= tears.
Yep, grief and shock are a lot like an onion.