Grief Is a Journey
©2019 Susan Noyes Anderson
image by Ricardo Alfaro
Grief is a journey.
Where does it end?
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.)
Grief is a journey.
Where does it end?
oh, that this sight were never found
a grieving mother, brought to ground
bereft of hope, forever bound
she falls to earth without a sound
∞§∞
For more poems about grief and loss, click here. If this poem in particular resonates with you, you might also relate to The Heart Attack.
What does it mean that Jesus walked
upon the earth so long ago?
What stake is mine in His descending
to a humble life below?
I went to see a counselor.
She lost a child and understands.
Committed to a healing path,
I laid my heart out in her hands.
My heart reached out, but
but you weren’t there.
Undone, I nestled
in your chair
and felt your warmth
surround my soul.
For one sweet moment
I was whole.
At best, you lose your innocence in layers.
Mom’s handwriting shows up on Santa’s card.
A tetherball turns traitorous and clocks you.
Your brother locks you out of your back yard.
My heart imploded yesterday
from a surprise attack,
its cause so seemingly benign
my mind keeps going back.
Love is patient.
Love is kind.
Love lives on
in heart and mind.