Suppressed Grief

(let it out)

If grief was late in calling,

he's risen from the deep.

He may have rested dormant

for years in silent sleep.

But now that he's been wakened

and left his sunken bed,

he's surfaced to the living

who face at last their dead.

If tears were from an oyster shell,

no more would they be found.

If sorrow was an ocean,

by now she would have drowned.

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This was an interesting interpretation of suppressed grief. And it's good advice to those who have that luxury but not everyone does. When one has important life or death issues in the land of the living it's often an impossibility to grieve. I speak from personal experience. I buried both my parents and a brother and was never able to grieve for any of them. Circumstances at the time of their passing would not allow it and the fact is, there's nothing to be done for the dead but the living often require our full and complete attention and dedication. It was a good read and I completely understood the sentiment. But personally, I've never had the time for it. Bless.

[Chris Shaw]

Fabian, thank you so much. Every one of us has to deal with grief in their own way. You dealt with your terrible circumstances in your own way, the only way you could cope with it. You focused on the living knowing there was nothing you could do for those who passed away. My poem is about someone who did exactly that, but several years later it came back to haunt them, and they eventually had a breakdown. Sad circumstances all round. Always good to hear your perspective and to read your comments. Thank you so much

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I couldn't afford to have a breakdown either. Sometimes life and living require more of us than death and dying and I believe that's a simple truth. I've been told, "You must be an incredibly strong individual." But it's not so. I have as many weaknesses as anyone and no more courage or bravery than anyone else. The truth is there are no heroes. There are only ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances doing their best to survive and any soldier would testify to the same. But a good number of those same soldiers suffer breakdowns and PTSD. I recall a line from the movie Lonesome Dove in which the character Woodrow Call says, "He's right boys, the best thing you can do with death is ride away from it." I agree with that sentiment wholeheartedly.

[Chris Shaw]

Survival, that sums it up altogether. Your story I have found so incredibly moving and I thank you for sharing it with me.

Chris

[lightsong]

This reminds me when my father passed away almost nine years ago, during the funeral I couldn't cry, normally I'm a person who keep their tears for her own self, I even heard some comments about my "insensitive" reaction, the first time the ocean's of tears rose was after a week from the funeral, when we had to leave where we buried my father, the moment when I felt I'm no longer near him, the moment when I felt I'm leaving him alone... was too much, that night I couldn't stop crying.

some people need to see beyond our faces, but unfortunately most care about the appearances, Your poem my friend is deeply powerful, brilliantly done, very effective.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your kind review. Everyone grieves differently. We all have to do it in our own time and in our own way. Thank you for sharing your story Light.

[lightsong]

many people mistaken strong persons to be insensitive, those people need a new mind's eye to see with.

I couldn't agree more with You my friend. thank You for writing and sharing this great piece.

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased it had a special meaning for you

[lightsong]

yes, it did my friend, even brought tears to my eyes bringing my memory back.

[Chris Shaw]

tears can help, bring relief

[lightsong]

it surely does my friend, but now here is a smile for You :)

[Chris Shaw]

and I am smiling back at you :))

[Will Neill]

Christine Anne, I never read the featured poem/story preferring to select the one I feel will give me a better insight of the writer. I choose this one because I was intrigued with the title. The beat reminds me of the poem I wrote '11.40'-its like the movement of a birds wing (look up beat poet Allen Ginsberg) words that are specifically chosen means the poet 'thinks' deeply about they want to say-very impressed! loved it.
Will

[Chris Shaw]

Thrilled you have chosen to read one of mine Will. Thank you so much

Chris

[barleygirl]

I’ve never been around anyone who suppressed their grief this way, so your message is an interesting possibility to ponder. Your rhyme & rhythm are tight & effectively crafted, in fact -- the best part of this poem. It’s so intriguing the way you go from the first two stanzas, which are fairly straightforward, to the last stanza which is an awesomely nuanced statement seemingly in a different vein than the beginning. I like the contrast between them (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Margie everyone grieves differently, but I don't think this is the best way to do it. Builds up problems for the future. Thank you girlie for your thoughtful review. Hope all is good in your day.

Chris

[KeeD]

The way you wrote this brings the beauty in tragedy. I am grieving still and every day I feel the hurt and this just makes me want to scream and after smile, because I know it's unhealthy to keep it all inside. I really love how simple this was but how deep its meaning goes. I loved the last stanza the most, If sorrow was an ocean, a beautiful way to think of it, it's scary but in order to reach a safe shore we have to swim through it.

[Chris Shaw]

Sorry to hear you are grieving Keegan. I sincerely hope your grief softens and healing comes to you soon. Everyone grieves differently, but I don't think it is healthy to bury it inside. It will come out at some point. Take care my friend.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Powerful, perceptive message.
An outstanding offering!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. Your reviews always appreciated.

Chris

[emipoemi]

I have no words....my voice is in my awe! Powerful and profound (like the ocean). Well done!

[Chris Shaw]

Your reviews always appreciated. Thank you.

Chris

[emipoemi]

my pleasure.

[Ardra]

Mmm after my dad's death... I had to be the responsible one for the family.... and I couldn't show any weakness...had to become more mature due to the circumstance required....there was not much time to grieve... but then I know my dad expected that of me...to be there when he left us... mom tried...but she couldn't take it all after a time...the sadness took over... I guess we need to give it time...and Some how let it out ....At least now I feel I have words...to express....

Thank you for sharing this wonderful poem with us.. :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you too for sharing your story. Your response very much appreciated.
Chris

[sette]

this is a very touching poem, it speaks about sadness the pain and the importance of grieving there should be enough time for it

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, so important to grieve, even though everyone does it differently. Thank you sette for your comments. Always valued.

Chris