A Widows Request

So many find it so hard to be around the newly bereaved.

Please come visit, often, as before...
bring no gifts, flowers, only friendship.
Bring not trepidation or awkwardness,
as it is circumstance and not I that have changed.
Bring me not your sadness and heavy heart,
as these at present I own by right.
Instead bring memories,
memories of good times spent.
Speak his name but without hesitation or fear,
as that will never die unless allowed.
Reminisce with stories, laughter, smiles,
and this will be my comfort.
And if you do this he will live on,
in our hearts and minds.
Please come visit, and often...

Reviews

[Nicole]

This is really sweet, despite the topic being so solemn. I think it's really what's at the heart of every loss. Instead of bringing more sad stories, what we really want when we've lost someone is to reminisce all the good times. Great work!

[Gee]

Thank you Nicole

[Ranger Kessel]

Beautiful. I enjoyed this regardless of somber tones.

[Gee]

Thank you RK

[Chris Shaw]

One of the best I have read from you. Sometimes people stay away after the funeral and that must be very difficult for the widow or widower. They often do it because they don't want to upset the bereaved, but your poem has summed it up perfectly s to why that support should continue, and keep continuing afterwards. a great poem, touched me deeply Gee. Very well done.

[Gee]

Good morning. Thank you Christine, strange what comes into our heads eh ? Me, as daft as a brush, writing as if a grieving widow. Hmmm.
Hope you are well in rainy ?? Berkshire

[Glen's not so clean sla..]

“Bring no gifts, flowers, only friendship”. Perfect! This is my favourite poem I’ve read on this site. Simple humble and beautiful. Thanks for sharing it

[Gee]

Thank you for commenting. Cheers

[Dara]

Simply beautiful and so true!

[Gee]

Thank you Dara

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Poignant and deeply moving poem- “it is circumstance and not I that have changed” the widow reassures her guests. She asks them not to add to her grief, but to help her lighten it by remembering him in the good times. Graceful words, as she is graceful herself. She asks them to allow him to “never die”. For her sweet sake, your beautiful poem makes us hope they do. Bravo!

[Gee]

Thank you Annette

[Stella Armour]

when someone has passed away their is such a lot of activity going on around the funeral and wake and then, all of a sudden the quietness and loneliness; this is when friends are needed the most and often they stay away for fear of intrusion.
You have captured the situation of the bereaved person perfectly Gee..."Please come visit, and often... "

[Gee]

Thank you Stella

[Coyote Poetry]

This is wonderful and true words. I do believe when we mention a name. Remember a face or voice. Just awakening good memories. I liked your thoughts and I agree. A amazing poem with amazing logic shared. Thank you dear friend for sharing the outstanding poetry and thoughts.
Coyote

[Gee]

Cheers, to many p***y foot around death when in the main the bereaved just craves normality.
Hope all is well in Trumpsville

[Coyote Poetry]

Trump is busy. He took on too much. 50 states, healthcare and hurricane. He had done little. Thank you God. 435 house reps, 100 senators and the Judges. Keep the USA okay. USA will be okay. Have fun and be careful my friend.

[Norah]

Well you have definitely caught my attention. I love your writing style and the way it seems so natural, rather than forced like some writing can be. I look forward to reading more of this soon!

[Gee]

I try to keep my writing as simple as possible. Thank you

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Recollections of good times and memories encapsulating moments of a loved one’s life, is by far a wonderful heart written epitaph to them. Your wonderful poetic expression of soft words, resonant this theme within the readers soul! Lovely write …. :-)

[Gee]

Cheers Phil O