The Tangled Branch Discussion Forums

I don't think I've shared this one here before.

I wrote a hopeful poem after my son died.  It had two old people at the graveside, many years after.

The old man had tears in his eyes, but blamed them on the wind as he wiped them away and comforted his wife.

He blamed them on the 'damned wind', and his wife pretended to believe him although she knew different.  Couples can be like that.

=====

But it didn't end that way.
She visits the grave with her new husband
who doubtless comforts her well enough,
but he can't know how she feels.

I know she has a box of little treasures,
small reminders of our son,
which she sometimes sits and holds,
lost in her own world.

Is the poem still in the box?
I don't know, and I'll never ask.
A Mother's grief, like a Father's,
is a private thing.  

I visit alone, occasionally, years apart,
and talk to my lad who had to leave early
and sometimes wonder why I'm still here.
And the wind still dampens my eyes.

Gyppo

A terribly tragic personal story told with great subtlety, and without maudlin ramblings.
Dealing with death is such a private experience...and impossible to quantify.
The son of a friend of my friend died recently from cancer. He was in his 20's and married.
A week or so after he was buried she committed suicide. Everyone knew she was devastated...but
couldn't conceive the depth of it!
Thanks for sharing.     

and now the damned wind is dampening my eyes.........

Not much worse than losing your child.......... I bear witness............

Sweetly and simply written, deftly left open to the reader, but the weight of it is clearly felt, if one has feelings.

Beautiful, Gyppo.  Thanks for sharing.

Aj

We spend a lifetime preparing to bury our parents and still it is hard.  A child is inconceivably moreso.  Beautiful writing Gyppo. 

T

That's a poignantly moving piece you've written, Gyppo. I'm deeply sorry about the loss of your son. I had no idea. I think the loss of one of our boys would do me in - but life, for some of us, goes on. 

xo...
~Deb

I think this is a very fine poem. Heartfelt & non-judgmental. Only a parent could write it. 

My youngest & wife left after spending the Holiday. Icy like crazy and the two of them off b/c life goes on, even after a reunion. A parent always worries about stuff over which they have no control.  

May I just issue a general thank you to all of you who've commented.  I've been a bit pre-occupied of late with so-called 'real world' stuff, but your words are much appreciated.  You're a great bunch of folks, and I'll be back later.

Gyppo

John, this poem really hit me in the feels. I just... it really did. What poignant, powerful writing. What wrenching sorrow for a parent to endure. This is quietly elegant and beautiful, and thank you for sharing it with us.