Sometimes all you need
is to reflect in your mind
one poem that says,
"I can make it through."
Written words can be more effective than spoken condolences at reaching the part of a person's heart which is grieving. Poems can provide solace and reach a person on a deeper level than with just the spoken word or a simple touch. Writing poetry can be a way of releasing painful stored emotions by trying to make sense of what is often the insensible.
Poetry can help us realize we are not alone or unique in our grief or desolation. "Someone else has lived through these intense emotions, felt what I am feeling and survived. I am not alone in these feelings of grief."
As Poetry Therapist John Fox so eloquently explains: Poems speak to us when nothing else will. Poetry helps us to feel our lives rather than be numb. Poem making helps us move through grief, life transitions and illness by providing comfort and sustenance on this difficult journey. At other times of loss and grief, your writing may be a necessity. Drawing from a well of feeling within your bones and soul, these words from within can help you cope in your daily life. Like the wind that echoes a rock face smooth, you can record your truth and loss with your words.
Since it's inception, the Journey of Hearts website has utilized the healing effects of poetry to aid in helping visitors to this site through the grieving process. Many of our poems have been reprinted as memorials in newspapers, yearbooks for those who have died, or spoken at funerals or memorial services.
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep - A Collection of Bereavement Poems
Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep is a helpful resource, an eBook with over 250 poems, quotes, words and readings of comfort for those who have experienced a loss.
I am honored that one of my own poems In Memory of You is included representing a contemporary bereavement poem. You can read In Memory of You in the July Blog Post from this Grief, Loss & Transitions Blog.
Pick up a copy of these carefully selected poems as a way of helping to cope with a loss.
Sources:
Dyer K. Words to Comfort - In Memory of You. July 2007. Grief, Loss & Bereavement Blog.
Dyer K. 911: Poems. Journey of Hearts.
Dyer K. Poems and Words of Inspiration. Journey of Hearts.
Dyer K. Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep. Squidoo.com
Image Source:
Miguel Ugalde. Stockin Around (Rose). Royalty Free Use.
