Hester (For my friend who posted about losing his wife)

Her name, an early version of Esther,
means star – a sun, a source of light – how right
for her love, a photographer. Hester.
We try to find the words, attempt to write
a sentence that rings true; post a sad face –
at least the days of clicking Like are past.
Some people say that this is not the place
to show our grief, to fly our flag half-mast –
Why don’t you light a candle in the church?
He posts a birthday message, loads her smile.
You know it burns, through solitude and hurt.
And so to work, where flowers line the aisle –
the shutter that allows the light to pass
must close. New couples pose on fresh-cut grass.