Not one of us passes through life without being touched by death and grief. Initially, I had only a handful of poems dealing with that topic. I did not feel a specific category on death and grief was necessary for this website. Sadly, after the loss of a child (my youngest son) in 2018, that has changed. This new topic includes 40 poems on death and grief, written as part of my own grieving process. I hope this category helps other bereaved parents find and use them as part of their own healing from the loss of a child.
FINDING THE POEM YOU WANT: As you scroll through this section, simply read each snippet sample (usually the first four lines) to get a feel for the poem. When you find something you like, click “CONTINUE READING” to view the entire poem.
(My poems about death are here for non-commercial purposes only. Please include full copyright information on every copy, emailing a request for permission before using. For internet use, a link back to this site is required. May peace and comfort be yours on this difficult path.)
even the metaphors miss you
like that word to tie
the other words together
framing images in phrases
like worlds that co-exist
but miss each other
in a universe apart
I never felt strong stirrings
about angels in the past.
Their role for me was limited
and, by me, rashly cast.
I fill up notebooks with my pen
to mourn you, son…again…again.
The lasting loss, the hollow heart,
the ache of living far apart.
We came here every year
for years and years.
It was our jam.
We’re gathered here again
at last, but now
you’re on the lam.
Gray waves, pounding on the shore,
give shelter to this mother’s roar
of anguish. You are here no more.
Small white crosses dot green grasses,
children who will play no more.
Bright-eyed boys and lively lasses,
robbed of all life held in store.
I chart my course in life with words
that rise up like the northern star
and lead me, yet my words fall short
of lifting me to where you are.
I know it’s true, of course – quite real;
yet somehow, I can’t help but feel
that nothing else is real if you are gone.