Broken

What can you say to a man

When his world is coming down around him?

When everything falls apart

And he is left with only emptiness?

What can you say

To ease his hurting? -

It is but a fool's errand,

Or like a band-aid on a severed limb,

For no words can bring him back what he wants most,

No kind word or gesture can patch back together

The crumbling walls of his broken heart.

What can you do, then,

To help him?

To ease his way?

To mend his shattered soul?

What can you do

That will do more for him than for yourself?

That will bring more consolation to him in his suffering

Than comfort to you for doing

"The right thing"?

Oh, how can you be selfless?

How can you save a man

Having never walked in his shoes?

Having missed his misfortune?

Having no true experience for empathy?

Can you simply ask him what he wants?

No -

    He'll be a martyr for you and you know it,

    He'll claim kind words are consolation enough,

    And you know that's not true.

Can you just pray he finds his hope?

Well, yes but no -

    A prayer is made in better faith than empty condolences,

    But still implies detachment,

    And still is not enough.

So what can you say to a man who's lost everything -

Or his everything, as the case may be -

Who's grieving?

Bereft?

Lost?

How can you fix what can't be fixed?

Bring back what no longer exists?

Save him from a hell he's already been through?

Well, you can't, really,

So I guess try your best:

It'll have to do.

Reviews

[Inject Positivity]

very thought provoking.... uniquely written and the questions you have asked are very true....nice flow and well crafted piece.... as i get the thoughts behind the poem are very courageous and they speak to the reader and leaves some important questions in his mind.... full ratings....

[Anka Starr]

I usually don't have fave poetry but it looks like this is now one of them. A wonderful way with words

[Philip Muls]

Your writing is mature and lived-through. Strong wording like 'save him from a hell he has already been through?' make this a strong piece of work. Well done. I will return to your work.

[Adam Adams]

Kinda thoughtful insights you're put down in words. The feeling of a desperate man you've pinned up with the realism of nature. The world's being forsaken since long... has di-valued the faith of its own so I believe, you've shown its through your words, beautifully & a lyrically, of course. Poetically, beautiful & breathtaking write it is which makes readers thinking ov'r the scenario of hearts... it makes people thinking ov'r the strengths & weaknesses of one's life, deeply. Kinda one of my fav. writes for sure. Would be looking forward to reading your work. Great job!

[alifeacoustic]

Beautifully written, thoughtful and thought filled piece. Full of not only thought for others, but empathy and love, behind the wanting to know the answers. I don't think there is a truly right or wrong answer to this. Just being there and supporting someone is all you can do really, until that person confides, when that happens, listening will be more than you can imagine of a help to him
Thank you for sharing this beautiful and thought provoking piece. It certainly paused me for thought.