Grieving through Poetry...

[AnnR]

That is so beautiful and says it all. Thank you for posting it x

[Ashleysmum]

Hi everyone
I also have expressed through poetry for my beautiful son, I thought I’d share
ASHLEY’S SEAT

Dear lord Jesus full of love

I wanted to send to heaven a dove

And with it a message straight from my heart

But then I don’t quite know where to start

So can you deliver the message for me

I can’t come to heaven just yet you see

But the message can’t wait it has to be done

It is specially for Ashley my beautiful son

It’s just that I miss him and I’m struggling here

With every part of me just wanting him near

Each day is more painful than the one before

As it hits me inside that he is no more

I was the mother of four but now suddenly three

How can this happen and why do it to me

He was a real angel a heart of pure gold

So I don’t understand ‘why’, just 19 years old

anyway lord please whisper in his ear

That my heart aches for him and I long for him near

Without him my life will never be the same

But I need to stop looking for someone to blame

His smile was like sunshine on a dark day

And his laugh so infectious, well what can I say

He was always kind and gentle and true

And for having him I’m grateful and I thank you

His happy face could light up the darkest night

And he stood proud and tall, nearly 6ft in height

He’d share anything and everything if only he could

give away his last penny to help someone he would

My arms ache to hold him and cuddle him near

To say ‘your my beautiful son, and this was my fear’

That you’d go to soon, illness make you part

And now all that’s left is this pain in my heart

No doctor or tablet could make me feel well

Because it’s missing you thats like being in hell,

But I know your with god in heaven above

Because you were always good and full of love

But let him have the prettiest place to sit up there

With the most fragrant flowers for him to take care

With messages of love everyday coming through

Delivered by you god from the people he knew

Tell him from me dear lord that I’ll love him forever

That the invisible cord between us, no one can sever

It will bind us for always, like it did from the start

From me to him, from mine to his heart

There was so many things I didn’t get to say

So I’m writing it now to pass on if I may

It’s that I would change everything for him to be well

Back to his family to hold close when he fell

I’m going to suffer for the rest of my life without him

Wondering if I’d only done this, said that, until my eyes brim

And I go through the whole process all over again

So much to say to him so I pick up a pen

To say the days seem so dark because my son has gone

And the shortest journeys seem so very long

Something that’s fun isn’t fun anymore

Instead of being fun it’s more like a chore

I want god to pass this message ashley so you will see

I’ve always loved you and it will never stop from me

But if you can see me just give me a sign

A message or touch or whisper to say it will be fine

That we will all be joined back together again

And that we won’t be unhappy or feeling this pain

Please walk beside me so I can carry on

Knowing I’m not alone and your not really gone

More hearts are broken that your no longer here

All longing to hear you, see you, hold you near

Our family here its no longer complete

There’s an empty place at our table, it says, ‘Ashley’s seat’.

[Crazy_Kate]

Truly heartbreaking. Thank you so much for sharing your poem. I am so very sorry for your loss. I think we can all relate to that empty seat at the table. xx

[Ashleysmum]

Thank you Kate, you’ve helped me to take my first steps on here xx

[Marina_m2]

I lost my son three years ago…and those words were not only heartbreaking but also beautiful…Thank you. xxx

[Ashleysmum]

Marina_m2 I’m so sorry, I understand your pain and thank you xx

[Ashleysmum]

Beautiful Kate, goosebumps! X

[Ashleysmum]

Mary L, I had that poem read by the vicar at my sons funeral, it’s beautiful.

[Ashleysmum]

Another poem I love, poetry is probably one of the only things that helps me express all the pain, I lost my son 8 years ago to diabetes he was 19 and went to bed and died, broken doesn’t describe the pain, my only brother/ sibling died 4 years later, my rock, my hero, 48 years old, poetry is a beautiful release

I’m an Angel Now

One night I cried to Jesus as I sat beneath the trees.

I looked into the open sky and hoped He’d answer me.

I’m lost dear Lord. I’ve traveled far but still I seem to roam.

Please light the way and lead me, Lord. I need to get back home.

I told him of my burdens and of the sadness in my heart-

That from His gracious love I’d never felt so far apart.

Why did you take my child, Lord? I cannot understand!

No longer can I touch his face or gently squeeze his hand.

I’m angry, Lord. I’m missing him. I’m drowning in my sorrow.

Please help to heal my yesterday’s and face each new tomorrow.

It was then I heard his gentle voice and I felt his presence near.

How I wanted so to hold him as I cried another tear.

He said, "Mum, "I 'm an angel now, my spirit will be free.

I’m an angel now in heaven, so please don’t cry for me.

I was chosen by our Lord above and now I’m in his care.

When you need me, look inside your heart. I promise to be there.

No one can ever take away our bond with one another

For I’ll always be your precious child, as you will be my mother.

So if you cannot find your way or the road to home seems so far,

Just look up into the Heavens and I’ll be you guiding star."

He said, "Mum, I’m an angel now, my spirit will be free.

I’m an angel now in Heaven, no need to cry for me."

~Janice Henshaw~

[Ashleysmum]

Hi kath23,
You are very normal, I am really sorry for your loss, it hurts so much, sending hugs, I’ve wanted to shout the same thing a lot of times, karma is a word I’ve learnt. Just a listening ear, it’s not much to ask in this world, you’re not at risk of growing old bitter, you’re just grieving, that never ends no matter how long, much love to you xx

[Jane456]

Beautiful poem it will restore my faith in God
As I have deep depression I need to see the light

[Ashleysmum]

Another very beautiful poem x

I’m Still Here

Please don’t mourn for me

I’m still here, though you don’t see.

I’m right by your side each night and day

And within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I’m always near

I’m everything you feel, see, or hear.

My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart

As long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I’ll never wander out of your sight

I’m the brightest star on a warm summer night.

I’ll never be beyond your reach

I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.

I’m the colorful leaves when winter comes round

And the pure white snow that blankets the ground.

I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond

The clear cool water in a quiet pond.p

I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring

The first warm raindrop that April will bring.

I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine

And you’ll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there’s no one to love you

Talk to me and I will listen.

I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees

And you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep

And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.

I’m the smile you see on a stranger’s face.

Just look for me…I’m everyplace.

[Ashleysmum]

Of course, it’s for anyone to use, it’s by anonymous, I think it’s beautiful, my own poem is further up the page but I love the poetry, bless you xx

[Ashleysmum]

Another very special poem to me, I had the last verse tattooed on my arm next to the portrait of my son x

TIME

I thought that time was healing
All the hurt you left behind
That empty spaces could be filled
My arms, my heart, my mind
And though my body looks the same
As it did when you were here
The emptiness is growing
Even bigger with each year

I thought that time was healing
All the agonising pain
That as the tears were fading
Soon I wouldn’t feel the same
And though I can be smiling
And you think that I’ll survive
The pain is in my blood now
I have nowhere else to hide

I thought that time was healing
All the loss a mother feels
That now you live within my heart
I had you near me still
But I need so much to touch you
To see you smile again
And those memories I’m told are mine
Can never feel the same

I thought that time was healing
All the while the mask was worn
That underneath a new me
Was waiting to be born
But now I find I am the mask
It helps to keep me safe
And though my heart is breaking
You won’t see it in my face

I thought that time was healing
All those tears my eyes have seen
That aching arms that miss you
Could be satisfied with dreams
But here I am, in pain again
And healing stands alone
And mother weeps, the world can see
For a son who can’t come home
by Sue White

[Ashleysmum]

Beautiful heartfelt poem for men, although I struggle everyday without my son and my brother who was my hero and best friend I come across this poem a few years ago and it brings tears because the men feel it too, anyway, I hope some one will be touched by these beautiful words x

I heard quite often “men don’t cry”
though no one ever told me why
So when I fell and skinned a knee,
no one came by to comfort me.
And when some bully-boy at school
would pull a prank so mean and cruel
I’d quickly learn to turn and quip,
“It doesn’t hurt,” and bite my lip.
So as I grew to reasoned years,
I learned to stifle my tears.
Though “Be a big boy” it began,
quite soon I learned to “Be a man.”
And I could play that stoic role
while storm and tempest wracked my soul.
No pain or setback could there be
could wrest one single tear from me.
Then one long night I stood nearby
and helplessly watched my son die.
And quickly found, to my surprise,
that all that tearless talk was lies.
And still I cry, and have no shame,
I can not play that “big boy” game.
And openly, without remorse,
I let my sorrow take its course.
So those of you who can’t abide
a man you’ve seen who’s often cried,
reach out to him with all your heart
as one whose life’s been torn apart.
For men do cry when they can see
their loss of immortality.
And tears will come in endless streams
when mindless fate destroys their dreams

                                             By Ken Falk

[Ashleysmum]

Aww kath, that’s really sad, I’m really sorry that you all went through such a sad loss. The connection between you and your son will be stronger each day even more so than it already is and maybe eventually he will be able to just let it out one day, so sad when sons and fathers love each other so much but remain tough exteriors. My own husband and sons are the same, but not so much since losing the oldest son, I hope your son will be able to turn to you when he’s ready, sometimes we are shocked by our own reaction, it might take years but it will happen, sending love x

[Rosebud1]

Hi I’m new here.
I lost my baby Noah in May a month after his birth at 27 weeks. I wrote this poem for him

It will get better I hear them say
Will the pain ever go away?
Seven months you lay beneath my heart
I loved you from the very start
Such plans and hopes we had in store
Plans were took and are no more
Little fingers, little toes
Butterfly kisses and nosey nose
Empty cots in the corner with no little head
I drag myself from this bed
Downward stares and saddened glance
My darling boy never had a chance
Red eyes and endless tears
Stolen dreams and stolen years
Broken heart I try to hide
A little white box I carried with pride
My kisses and hugs you will never know
I will never get to watch you grow
They say you are and angel now, high above
Can you still feel my love?
I look for signs to reassure me
Rainbows, butterflies and the honey bee
Rustling leaves blowing in the breeze
Winds that whistle through the trees
Speak to me child, say my name
I live in hope that we will meet again
Come to me in my dreams where we can go
A special place you and I only know
Butterfly kisses and nosey nose
Little fingers and little toes
No pain, no hurt, we can be free
Together again my baby and me

[Crazy_Kate]

That’s beautiful Rosebud. Thank you for sharing. Poetry has been a great source of comfort to me in my grief and it continues to be so.

I am truly sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs. xx

[Crazy_Kate]

When Great Trees Fall

When great trees fall,
rocks on distant hills shudder,
lions hunker down
in tall grasses,
and even elephants
lumber after safety.

When great trees fall
in forests,
small things recoil into silence,
their senses
eroded beyond fear.

When great souls die,
the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly,
see with
a hurtful clarity.
Our memory, suddenly sharpened,
examines,
gnaws on kind words
unsaid,
promised walks
never taken.

Great souls die and
our reality, bound to
them, takes leave of us.
Our souls,
dependent upon their
nurture,
now shrink, wizened.
Our minds, formed
and informed by their
radiance,
fall away.
We are not so much maddened
as reduced to the unutterable ignorance
of dark, cold
caves.

And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly. Spaces fill
with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/when-great-trees-fall-by-maya-angelou

[KarenF]

I can’t see this video as it says it’s private. Now, having clicked on it. I can’t see what it was called to look for it. Would you mind letting me know please? Thanks.