In Barbara Kingsolver's "The Poisonwood Bible," the narrator reflects on the experience of grief. While actively moving forward in life, the grief feels distant, like a swimmer's hair flowing in water. The narrator acknowledges its presence but feels unburdened by it as long as they remain in motion.

However, when they pause, the heaviness of grief becomes overwhelming, enveloping them and making it hard to breathe. This illustrates the struggle of confronting sorrow; it highlights the importance of staying engaged with life to keep despair at bay. The narrator chooses to keep moving to avoid being consumed by their grief.