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.)
image by Paul Pastourmatzis on UnsplashI 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.
Come home to me, my child; come home.
Dance on the words of a mother’s poem…
stepping-stars across the sky,
shining bright to draw you nigh,
spun from gossamer and love,
heart-notes sent to heaven above.
Christmas, I thought, would always be
the best of holidays for me…
a celebration of Christ’s birth,
when peace and glory came to earth.
This miracle, so long held dear,
blessed and remembered every year,
engenders in each tender heart
sweet reverence for His humble start.
image by Clint Patterson on UnsplashChristmas shopping has begun,
but now I shop for three,
another sad reminder of
the way things used to be.