Grief Poems

I find an old photograph
and see your smile.
As I feel your presence anew,
I am filled with warmth
and my heart remembers love.
I read an old card
sent many years ago
during a time of turmoil and confusion.
The soothing words written then
still caress my spirit
and bring me peace.
I remember who you used to be
the laughter we shared
and wonder what you have become.
Where are you now,
Where did you go,
When the body is left behind
and the spirit is released to fly?
Perhaps you are the morning bird
singing joyfully at sunrise,
or the butterfly that dances
so carelessly on the breeze
or the rainbow of colors
that brightens a stormy sky
or the fingers of afternoon mist
delicately reaching over the mountains
or the final few rays of the setting sun
lighting up the skies
edging the clouds with a magical glow.
I miss your being
but I feel your presence,
In whatever form you choose to take,
however you now choose to be.
Your spirit has become for me
a guardian angel on high
guiding, advising, and watching over me.
I remember you.
You are with me
and I am not afraid.

Copyright © 1996 Kirsti A. Dyer, MD, MS. All rights reserved.

This poem was written for a co-worker of mine whose 8 year old son just passed away on December 21, 2007.

Jacob's Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep, I know my soul you'll surely keep and if I die before I wake, I pray dear Lord my body you'll take. I pray that you will keep my mommy and daddy strong, let them know that Heaven is where I belong. I pray that you watch over my brother and sisters with care and know in spirit I am always there. I pray for those nurses and doctors who take care of me when I was ill and know Lord that it was you  that gave them the skill. I pray now that I can finally rest because in your arms is where I will sleep best. Amen.

Copyright © 2007 Tamara Pighet. All rights reserved.

I stand before you with empty arms.
My loved one’s life is done.
I see the pain in your caring eyes
for the woman who lost her son.

I feel the breeze as it lifts my hair
and the flag stirs on its stand.
They have taken much from my heart,
but I still love this land.

As a tear forms and slides slowly down
for our soldiers in battle fields
For every chance they take for us,
I pray they will not yield.

I will pray that God is with them now
as they fight for truth and right.
I will pray for each of their souls
to be safe this very night.

Know they fight for all I feel right now,
that my trust was not in vain.
For my arms are empty but my heart is full
for this country will stand again.

As I pledge allegiance to our flag
I will lift my voice in pride.
I will bless the day justice will prevail
for freedom, my love survives.

About the author: Brenda Penepent, LPN, Executive Director of Healing Heart For Bereaved Parents, Russellville, Arkansas Chapter.

Copyright © 2001 by Brenda Penepent. All rights reserved.

Move over Dad I'm coming
With wings upon my feet
My wheelchair will empty
as God and you I'll meet.

To my dearest family
Somethings I'd like to say
but first of all to let you know
that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from Heaven
where I dwell with God above
There's no more tears or sadness
there's just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight
Remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night.

Mom, don't be sad
I miss you so much too
It's beautiful here
but I worry a lot about you.

I sleep with Greta watching me
there's only love up here
I am not lonely or afraid
because Dad and God are near.

I walk with Jesus every day
I'm light upon my feet
Don't worry Mom he holds my hand
when we cross the golden street.

I never cry or hurt myself
I see Grandpa every day
I play and laugh and sing a lot
and hear you when you pray.

Please Mom don't be mad at God
you see he loves me too
and even though you're not with me
I'm really still with you!

Copyright © 2007 Caroline Rediske. All rights reserved.