Work through grief with poetry.
Losing a loved one is never easy, but little compares with the grief of losing a child. Although it may seem as if the pain will never go away, eventually the feelings can become at least bearable. Until that point, having an outlet for tender feelings can be helpful. Poetry is one way to release grief and find solace through written thoughts and feelings, either yours or those of others.
Religious Poems
Most, if not all, religious traditions have writers who expressed difficult feelings. A famous example of religious poetry is "Footprints in the Sand" by Mary Stevenson, a poem that conveys a sense of strength through God, especially during difficult times. Other examples include "The Broken Chain" by Ron Tranmer, which reminds its audience that God is in control of death, and "Each of Us Has A Name" by Jewish poet Zelda. Some writers also attempt to make sense of grief through prose, such as the Christian writer C.S. Lewis.
Poems by Fellow Parents
Sometimes an expression of grief feels truer when it comes from someone who has experienced a similar loss. Poems written by parents for their lost little ones or older children not only help the writers, but also the readers of the poem -- when parents share their poems, the readers know they aren't alone in their feelings. Websites such as Bereavement Poems & Articles and Simple Sympathy have poems submitted by parents.
Traditional Poems
Over time, poems become known for their power to comfort the bereaved. Some are written by famous poets, and others, such as "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" by Mary Frye, are written by "ordinary" people. Reading poems that have comforted thousands of other grieving mothers can be consoling. Some traditional poems include "Bereavement" by Percy Shelley and the writings "Miss Me, But Let Me Go," attributed to Edgar A. Guest, and "While Waiting for Thee," attributed to Sharon A. Bryington. To find more poems, try searching the website Poet Seers.
Self-written Poems
Whether or not a poem written by someone else -- professional or fellow parent -- captures the feelings you need to express, you can write one of your own. Remember, you don't need to worry about any poetry rules; instead, write what feels natural and expresses your feelings. You may also choose whether you wish to share your poem. Sometimes sharing is therapeutic, but if your words feel too personal, it's okay to keep the poem to yourself.
