post traumatic growth

to grow from loss

is to choose that when we lose

to every time win a little bit

by every time changing a little thing

for the next time it is you try again

and to grow like this 

each and every time

with regularity 

you must take the answers

from those questions

that hurt you most

you must take them

always non violently

and from the post

build something peacefully

something beautifully

if only very slowly

through those little things

by every time just a little bit

changing that little thing

very honestly

Author's Note

Reviews

[Sir Aphid]

"for the next time it is you try again" this line confused me. "and from the post
build something peacefully" This one as well. Is it suppose to say 'past'?

I like the idea. I think trauma can help you grow, but it can also destroy a person. Maybe it's a choice. I think the poem just needs to be honed.

[Davidgeo]

Yes, it is supposed to say post. If that other line confuses you I guess just pay closer attention.

Post traumatic growth is a type of theory in the field of psychology. It's a bit lessor known and usually takes a back seat to post traumatic stress theory when these types of conversations come up because most people who write poetry on sites like these prefer to focus on the more depressing aspects of the human condition. It's more fashionable.

[Sir Aphid]

the line can be interpreted in a lot of ways. maybe that's intentional. I don't usually read poetry for this reason, however I think the theme would be clearer with better grammar. There are no commas in your poem. It's hard to tell when each thought begins and ends.

I like the idea of growing from trauma but it works both ways. Depends on the person.

[Davidgeo]

You're definitely right that it does depend upon the person, but, you can say that about almost anything. I think you should do a little internet research on the term "post traumatic growth".

I intentionally don't use grammar in my poetry. It's easier to force the reader to form their own interpretation and instill a "stream of thought" type of read that way. If you read a lot of poetry you will find this to be a very common style.

Thanks for your comments. I think you have a point about honing this particular writing. It underperforms in conveying it's message.