Poem

I had some comments about this poem that I had posted on Facebook a while back. So, just thought I'd post the poem here for others to read. I re-read it myself tonight and it brought tears to my eyes. Just really sums up all the feelings. None of my feelings are new.....I still harbor all that I felt on that day, June 24. I am not better, just different.

Here is the poem:


Please Be Gentle

Please be gentle with me for I am grieving
The sea I swim in is a lonely one, and the shore seems miles away
Waves of despair numb my soul as I struggle through each day
My heart is heavy with sorrow
I want to shout and scream and repeatedly ask, "WHY?"
At times, my grief overwhelms me, and I weep bitterly
So great is my loss
Please don't turn away or tell me to move on with my life
I must embrace my pain before I can begin to heal
Companion me through my tears and sit with me in loving silence
Honor where I am in my journey, not where you think I should be
Listen patiently to my story
I may need to tell it over and over again
It's how I begin to grasp the enormity of my loss
Nurture me through the weeks and the months ahead
Forgive me when I seem distant and inconsolable
A small flame still burns within my heart
And shared memories may trigger both laughter and tears
I need your support and understanding
There is no right or wrong way to grieve
I must find my own path

Please, will you walk beside me

~ JIll Englar