A PAIN WHICH HAS NO WORD

The loss of a child....

A PAIN WHICH HAS NO WORD

The wedded two begin as man and wife,

And share their dreams about a wondrous life.

But years are seldom as they're planned & so,

The bride will cry her tears on widow's row.

In churches where each bride and groom are wed,

A man becomes a husband it is said.

To think..."A widower he will become,"

Is not a thought of his...or anyone.

When children fill the home with love and joy,

The couple share their pride...a girl and boy.

And yet a day may come which shrouds the scene.

Two orphans stand and weep for things unseen.

But when a parent grieves the death of those

They bore & raised and loved so sweet the rose,

No word is found for pain as deep as this...

No comfort for the missing children's kiss.

******************

When a wife loses a husband she is called a widow.

When a husband loses a wife he is called a widower.

When children lose their parents they are called orphans.

But when a parent loses a child......

There is NO word to describe a pain such as this.

Reviews

[Richard Knox]

Good morning, Miss Sharon. This poem surprised me. I was prepared for a sad poem, of course, thanks to the title and your description. But your use of iambic pentameter — da DA da DA da DA da DA da DA — to me, gave it the light-hearted feeling of a nursery rhyme. At least until the fourth line, when you hit us with a tragedy. And then another and another, until the final, unspeakable loss, and the nursery rhyme will never be recited to the lost child. I can’t decide if the meter enhances or detracts from your message. I will have to read it several more times. But it is still a powerful, moving poem. I also appreciated your note at the end which explained the title. (My wife and I lost a baby boy early in our marriage.)

[Miss Sharon]

Thanks so much Richard for your kind and in depth review of this write. I appreciate the time you took. ~Sharon

[M. J. Smith]

No parent should out live a child. This is not the intended order. But like so much else, Man has tipped the order with greed, selfishness, war. Look no further than Ukraine. There is the truth of these words. And no, there is no word, for no word can be spoken.

[Miss Sharon]

Thank you so much for your kind and compassionate response to this write my friend! You are appreciated. ~Sharon

[Chris Shaw]

WE do not know what our lives will bring. We hope for happiness, but often there can be tragedy. Your stanzas here Sharon are beautifully penned. They are particularly relevant in times of conflict, like we find ourselves in now. My immediate thoughts turned to conflict in Europe. So many are being killed, and the numbers of innocent children having their lives cut short is heart breaking. The loss of anyone we love dearly is a huge hurdle to overcome, but the loss of a child is hurt that will never soften. This is a moving poem, so pleased to have read it today.

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

Oh Chris...you have blessed me with your compassionate response to this post and I thank you so much! You are a true friend my dear. ~Sharon

[Einstein Noodle]

beautifully said Sharon! there is a quite peace and serenity in the rhythm and rhyme of your words for me .. respectful ... that is maybe a better word .. lots of respect for those in weeping .. I thank the Good Lord daily my children are all present and accounted for .. for you are right of course ... all can be taken in a flash and we do not consider such things at certain ages .. i especially appreciate you pointing out that we do not have a word for a parent or sibling either who have lost those family members ... funny how poignant that is after reading your poem ... i am touched .. more aware and grateful this morning ... thanks you for sharing!
E.

[Miss Sharon]

Your words have blessed and comforted me Mr. E and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! ~Sharon