The Grief Quilt
by Mitch Carmody

Those suffering souls with broken hearts
meet and share with one another
expressing the pain of their bereavement
to try to heal and give comfort to each other

We meet in anguish from our losses
tears ready to flow from our eyes
discussing the most painful parts of our lives
trying to find answers to the what ifs and whys

We confront the devastating reality
rubbing salt in our gaping wounds
trying to live when we want to die
together in this grief filled room

We examine each others pain
each story a world apart
yet so close in emotional impact
we find comradery form the start

We are everywhere from all walks of life
grieving for our loved one who as died
losing a son or daughter
on whose love we had relied

We would like to curl up in a ball
fade out and find relief
but there is are others that rely on us
who are suffering in their grief

Be compassionate and show others your heart
give love and it returns
help with the conditions of other's mourning
and ease their soul that aches and burns

We know all too well
the pain they feel is real
together we can hold their hand
so their sorrow can too can begin to heal

That is why we are here together
as we share our tender moments
we can scream and cry, laugh or rage
expressing the emotions of our laments

In giving we shall receive
and forget our pain for awhile
be able to laugh again
and attempt and honest smile

This is not an easy task
for our energy is constantly drained
we have to be selfish and good to ourselves
or lose anything we have gained

We can only give what we have
so let yourself receive
let people know of your pain
show them that you still grieve

Even good people tend to forget
not seeing things with our eyes
their ears don't hear what we hear
they do not perceive our inner cries.

Some people are helpful, some are not
we have to pick and choose
catch a stranger unawares
and unload your pent-up blues.

Openly weep your sorrow
express that anger that lies inside
explore every avenue you can
find those fears that tend to hide

Talk about IT whenever you can
for IT colors your very being
every atom of your essence
that affects the way you are seeing

A cloak of intangible thickness ad depth
a patchwork of pain that covers our soul
it's pure weight drains us down
and begins to take its toll

It is an overwhelming blanket
this grief quilt that we wear
but it will and does get lighter
if we let go of guilt and fear.

Fear that we shall never recover
that we shall always feel like this
guilt of letting go of the pain
of our loved one we so dearly miss.

Guilt for being angry with God
fear we did something wrong
how could He be so cruel
and give us such pain for so long?

It is a Herculean task we are asked to do
that takes time and many tears
but being here shows you want to heal
in the coming weeks, months, and years.

God bless you all

Mitch Carmody
author of "Letters To My Son"

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