Grief (poem) by andrea coltman on AuthorsDen

Grief
by andrea coltman → (All Poetry by andrea coltman)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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March 15th would have been mum's 74th birthday...another void to deal with

Grief No one has a monopoly on grief though it feels that way sometimes When all around there are triggers, reminders and oh so, so many signs A doppelganger, a total stranger who is you for a fleeting second Or an associated sound where lasting memories are beckoned A happy day, where nothing apparently seems to change the mood Then suddenly, out of the blue, something manages to intrude The warm spring sunshine suddenly turns to relentless, pelting rain Outside was inviting, inside I feel drenched with cavernous pain A simple drive down the road can be completely encumbered A private ambulance ahead with another’s day unnumbered I pass a hearse bedecked with a mass of floral wreaths How do I choke back my relentless, regurgitated grief? I’ve never lost a parent, so I don’t know how I should feel I replay your last few days in my head like a cinematic reel It haunts, hurts and scares me, then suddenly the mood changes It’s a tempered life, a chocolate assortment of atmospheric ranges I don’t know whether I said goodbye properly, that upsets me Was it at your death bed or was it at that haunting cemetery? Did I verbalise my farewell or did I just cry it out in a sentence? It’s not a blessing I’m looking for, nor indeed any form of repentance. So when my throat is so choked rendering me unable to speak And then the tears cascade like waterfalls down my cheeks Eyelashes are varnished, shining, glued with saline mascara Respite is deservedly yours, but for those left, what comes after? Mum you knew how to love, enjoy and certainly live life You were a special friend, grandmother, mother and wife Life must and does go on, and there are so very many positives Lessons I’ve learnt in life from you, you do still inspire those who still live © Andrea Coltman

Reviewed by Mary Patterson

Reviewed on October 8, 2012

Very heart wrenching. Grief can be all consuming at times ...M

Reviewed by Cryssa C

Reviewed on April 9, 2009

A beautiful heartfelt piece...
I have always thought it a tiny bit unfair that the world doesn't stop and grieve with those who lose a loved one.
But...memories will sustain us and help us to go on. I believe our loved ones are never really that far away, even if they have passed on.

Cryssa

Reviewed by Michelle Mead

Reviewed on March 15, 2008

I am sorry for your loss, this is an amazing poem, truly amazing, a keeper.

Reviewed by Karen Palumbo

Reviewed on March 13, 2008

Well written piece from your heart. My thoughts and prayers reach out to you in your loss.....

Be always safe,
Karen

Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)

Awww bless, may you find peace. When ready, c s lewis wrote a grief observed.... So young, so sad... Sorry about the **** who wrote the first review, but weirdoes without hearts do turn up in life on AD.

Stay blessed and I hope yu don't meet the like of a Magnus in real life....

Reviewed by Tinka Boukes

Heartfelt offering!!

Keep the faith my friend!!

Love Tinka

Reviewed by Felix Perry

Grief like love does not go away or dissappear at any given rate or on a schedule, and the sad part is that the more we loved someone the more the pain is felt. I know what you are going through even though I lost my own mother almost 30 years ago it still seems like yesterday and yes I still grieve. I was 25 when I lost my 18 year old brother, my mother and my father all in the space of a year but my mother was the biggest loss for she was the one who could have cushioned the blow of the other two. The only consolation I can offer is that when the pain recedes there will be so many smiles to come over the years when you do think of her.
hugs
Felix

Reviewed by Mr. Ed

Truly heartfelt, Andrea, and a wonderful tribute to your beloved mother.

Reviewed by Connie Faust

As you express here, grief suddenly overtakes one in the ordinary moments of life. I was stunned sometimes by the sight of my Mom or Dad, "a total stranger who was you for a fleeting second" as you describe it. You've covered a whole range of experiences that assail us when we're enduring fresh grief. Well done!

Connie

Reviewed by Karla Dorman, The StormSpinner

(((Andrea)))

I'm sorry for your loss - March 17, 1990, my Mom died - I miss her, still - keenly penned, keenly felt -

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

Reviewed by Magnus Rater (Reader)

Andrea, your GRIEF poem resonated within my being!

Poignant, searching, honest and illuminating are some of the adjectives I can find to add to my WOW!

Life remains a journey - a contnuum of ups and downs, joy and sorrow, highlights and no lights (sic). There are no shortcuts; no ready-made answers ... only one word might best desribe this journey viz. AVANTI! A great sportsman reportedly said, "You must not pay rent to the past ...". Memories are stepping stones on the road that lies ahead.

You may only calle me by my real name when we are not featured on an open page!

Magnus!