Shane Rounce: life ebbs and flows,then it goes. that's the deal, really. nothing…

life ebbs and flows,
then it goes.

that's the deal, really.

nothing stays where you left it.

not people.
not places.
not versions of yourself.

you spend years thinking
you'll get round to things.

when work calms down.
when money's better.
when you've sorted your head out.
when everyone's alright again.

then one day
you realise there was never going to be
a perfect time.

there was only time.

i learned that young.

then somehow
had to learn it again.

you can lose someone
and carry on breathing.

go to work.
make tea.
laugh at something stupid.

people see that
and think you're getting better.

sometimes you are.

sometimes you're just getting good
at carrying it.

and eventually
the weight changes shape.

you stop waking up underneath it.

you start wanting things again.

start making plans.
start looking forward instead of back.

then life reminds you
it never promised to be fair.

the tide comes in,
the tide goes out.

sometimes gently.

sometimes it takes half the fucking beach with it.

there's no wisdom in pretending
that doesn't hurt.

it does.

love hurts when it has nowhere to land.

grief is just what happens
when somebody mattered
and keeps mattering
after they're gone.

so don't rush it.

don't let anybody tell you
you should be over it by now.

there isn't a timetable.

you just keep going
until one day
going doesn't feel quite so much
like dragging yourself behind you.

and when something good happens,
enjoy it.

even if there's somebody missing.

especially then.

tell their story.
say their name.
laugh at the daft stuff.

keep the bits of them
that made you, you.

because nothing stays.

that's not pessimism.

that's the point.

life ebbs and flows,
then it goes.

so be here while it's here.

love people properly.

tell them.

forgive what you can.

take the photo.

make the stupid plan.

go somewhere just because.

and when the tide pulls somebody away,
stand there for a bit.

swear at the sea if you need to.

then, when you're ready,

walk on.

not away from them.

with them.