What Does It Mean?
©2019 Susan Noyes Anderson
image by Simon Dewey
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?
Death and Grief Poems
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 over 90 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 and Gratitude
©2019 Susan Noyes Anderson
image by Tirza van Djik
Nearly a year ago today,
you said goodnight and slipped away.
A sea of tears inside my heart
marks every day we’ve been apart.
Grief: Owning the Road
©2019 Susan Noyes Anderson
image by Paul Pastourmatzis on Unsplash
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.
Holding Hearts
©2019 Susan Noyes Anderson
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.
Innocence Lost
©2019 Susan Noyes Anderson
Image by Shraga Kopstein on Unsplash
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.
The Heart Attack
©2019 Susan Noyes Anderson
Image by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
My heart imploded yesterday
from a surprise attack,
its cause so seemingly benign
my mind keeps going back.
Love Is
©2019 Susan Noyes Anderson
an adaptation of 1 Cor. 3:4-8
image by Christopher Beloch on Unsplash
Love is patient.
Love is kind.
Love lives on
in heart and mind.
Homecomings and Goings
©2019 Susan Noyes Anderson
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.