Creating a Poem about Grief ⋆ Christine Gautreaux MSW

Creating a Poem about Grief

Grief

It hits me at different times
an unexpected shadow on a sunny day

At times when I turn to tell you something
or pick up the phone to call
and I doubt myself

I doubt the sixteen years that built our friendship
our daily conversations
and a lifetime of plans

I doubt myself
since it is I who hurt you
inadvertently and unconciously

Hurting your heart so much
that during the space you needed to heal
the fabric of our lives completely shifted

The hurt I felt when
you were unable or unwilling to forgive

No more daily cups of tea
or making plans together
Uncertainty around holidays
that never before existed

Like a private divorce
since we still exist in so many overlapping circles
that we built together

In my heart
I know a mending of “us”
is possible with some conscious work

I grieve for the easiness that once
was so natural in our friendship
it was like breathing.


I loved this image 🙂

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About the Author: Christine Gautreaux, MSW

Christine Gautreaux, MSW is dedicated to the pursuit of play, joy, art & social justice. Christine’s superpowers include connecting people, helping folks manifest their dreams, standing up against injustice and using art to make a difference in the world. She currently uses Interplay to address issues of oppression with people living with severe and persistent mental illness, homelessness, women refugees, racial justice and women who are incarcerated. Christine believes in the power of body wisdom and somatic play to help heal trauma. She also works with professional caregivers, activists and artists to maintain balance and self-care during these intense times we find ourselves living. Christine Gautreaux holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Social Work. Christine is a professional speaker, coach & author and entrepreneur and the owner of Wisdom on Wings Coaching. Christine is the co-author of Stillpoint: A Caregivers Playbook to find ease and to take a deep breath and reclaim joy. www.christinegautreaux

8 Comments

Darlene Sperber December 4, 2013 at 2:34 pm - Reply

I can so relate to your feelings of grief and hope for you as with me that someday it will be healed.
Christine Gautreaux December 4, 2013 at 2:50 pm - Reply

Thanks Darlene 🙂
Fida Islaih December 4, 2013 at 4:11 pm - Reply

Oh, you described it as something I've been through. Yet better things will come.
Ellen December 4, 2013 at 5:03 pm - Reply

Mending rifts almost always bring some new dimension to a relationship…deeper, and more meaningful. I pray that is the case. Time apart helps illumine what is important, what is appreciated, as time heals wounds. God has a purpose in all things. The unfolding is so hard. Beautiful words here. Picture you used speaks to me…
Christine Gautreaux December 4, 2013 at 7:43 pm - Reply

Thanks Ellen – I agree
Christine Gautreaux December 4, 2013 at 7:44 pm - Reply

Thanks Fida!
Kat McNally December 5, 2013 at 3:19 am - Reply

I am so sorry for your loss, Christine. You describe the poignancy and pain so exquisitely here… it is universal and so very human. Thank you for sharing this beautiful insight. x
HALLELUJAH TRUTH December 5, 2013 at 1:56 pm - Reply

I have experienced this too Christine. I love the way you expressed your grief through a poem and images.