The Pokeberry Quilt

The Pokeberry Quilt

Monday, June 20, 2011

Grief

The hospice counselor sent me this poem today. It has been only three months since Jim's passing, some days it seems I've been living without him for years and then it seems like only yesterday when memories come flooding back.

Grief is Like a River

My grief is like a river -
I have to let it flow,
But I myself determine
just where the banks will go.

Some days the current takes me
in waves of guilt and pain,
But there are always quiet pools
where I can rest again.

I crash on rocks of anger -
My faith seems faint indeed,
But there are other swimmers
who know that what I need.

Are loving hands to hold me
When the waters are too swift,
and someone kind to listen
when I just seem to drift.

Grief's river is a process
of relinguishing the past.
By swimming in Hope's channels
I'll reach the shore at last.

~Cynthia G. Kelley~

12 comments:

  1. That is such a beautiful poem Nancy. I have been admiring you from afar as you travel on. You are a brave lady who is an inspiration to us all.

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  2. So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful poem.

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  3. What a beautiful poem. I've not seen this one before. Thanks for sharing it with us. I hope that you finding some bit of joy in each day. Hugs.

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  4. Nancy, The poem was beauiful. The people that work in hospice can be so kind. Grief is such a lonely and deeply personal experience. My heart feels for you. Every grief is different but a person who you loved and lived with is the worst.There is no words to say how hard it is to put one foot in front of another but you must and you are ,Hugs and prayers.

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  5. What sweet and descriptive words...that seem quite true. Your journey and the strength you reveal is real and an inspiration. I hope this poem comforts you and that you feel those loving hands (with real flesh on them) holding you up.

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  6. That really is beautiful and inspirational to read when you are having your bad days. I hope you can find that snake before he finds you.

    Debbie

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  7. That's a lovely poem, and contains many truths. Grief is a difficult thing to deal with as it ebbs and flows differently for each person, and fer each hour.
    Thinking of you.

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  8. It's hard to believe it's been three months since Jim passed. Seems like so much has happened since then. The poem is beautiful and know it will give you comfort when you have bad times.

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  9. Oh that is a beautiful poem. Sending you warm hugs!

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  10. Anonymous5:20 PM

    Beautiful Nancy, and so true.

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  11. Oh Nancy - a widow's chair is such an uncomfortable seat to sit in - there is only one person who could really console you and their absence is the reason you need that consolation - I so empathise with you and send you cyber-hugs xxxxx

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