MY GRIEVING FRIEND

A young friend's fiance was killed in an accident, less than a week before their wedding. Her father had died from a heart attack just a week before that. My heart ached with and for her. Writing is my therapy, so this poem was born.

 

MY GRIEVING FRIEND

 

Her short life has been wrought with tragedy
With immense turmoil, loss and pain
So many try to reassure her
She's young, and will soon find love again

Still others speak with admiration
Of her strength and of her courage
They say they never would have coped
At such a fragile, young and tender age

It appears that she has bounced right back
See her smiles, pranks, and jokes
She's handling things so very well
According to most folks

But my heart aches with compassion
As to me it's extremely plain
She's trying too hard with this clown facade
To hide such overwhelming pain

Yes, beyond those constant smiling lips
Her haunted eyes belie the laughter
With a fragmented heart and shattered dreams
She lost all hope for "Happily ever after"

I won't say, "I know how she's feeling"
Nor give her pat answers to her doubts and fears
But I can and will offer her a loving shoulder
On which to shed her brimming tears

 

(C) Ellen Hammond

 

Reviews

[Mark]

Rather reminds me of the last stanza from "IF":

"Now Princess Caroline, her heart bereft
"P'raps feels her Soul on Shoal's been left;
"Though she must for awhile in heart's Grief tarry,
"Can she believe that her pain we'll help carry,
"'til the Ache in her Heart

"FLIES AWAY?"

It's such a new experience for me, having a Best Friend whom I've never actually met face-to-face, but I have to say, from your writings alone, that there's no doubt you would be a staunch ally to anyone in their time of need, and this poem is the epitome of that expression.

[Bette]

this is beautiful. i loved it. i know your friend did toothank you for sharing.

[Pratibha]

I wish I could feel the pain. No one can, not even me. The pain is immense and only GOD can heal and understand her.
MAY SHE COME OUT OF THIS PAIN SOON....and i am sure one day, sun will shine again

[Sean Allen]

In situations like this it is hard to know what to say or do. Your first line where others tell he that it's all going to be ok is certainly not the right thing to say. But your last line where you offer your shoulder is exactly te right thing to do.

[Anita B Jacques]

A good write my friend, grieving is necessary. Strength and courage, so false, as you know, we survive and don't look for options, and grieve in private, it never really stop. Thank so much for your write Ellen, I always thirst for your wisdom.
Hugs and friendship
Annie

[deeps]

This is so sad, i recently lost a family member from a heart attack. hurts. i am so sorry for your losses.
poem will it spoke to me and as well gave me a chill down my spine.

[We are young.]

This sent chills down every part of my body, fantastic job! I hate when such great people, can never get anyting, makes me feel so selfish.

One word to describe this; sad.
You did a very nice job of conveying the feelings of your friend.