Instinctiveness  

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I sense a shadowy echo

On peripheral of my grief

Attributed more to others

Who’s long since left me

Before darkness did befall  

I hear well-meaning people

Sputter in their platitudes

Not realizing at all they do

Insensitively make it worse

Still, I’ll remain charitable

And carry this extra burden

How ironic they do believe

I should forget my memories

Of the very loved one I loss

Pretend life is good again

Move on, move past them

Compartmentalize emotion

As if they were just a thought

To be forgotten from now on

Yes, they do insult love itself

In my full understandment

Of what love should depict

But then again, it might be

They’ve never loved anyone

Let alone… unconditionally

.

Poet of the Light © 2021

19 thoughts on “Instinctiveness  

  1. Wow PoL! This is intense. Loved the opening and the closing lines. Also, it’s slightly different from your previous poems. There’s a streak of anger which I’ve not seen before.

    Not every loss can be compartmentalised. I completely agree. A friend lost her father a year back and her grief is still raw.

    Whereas another separated from her husband and I firmly believe that she can move on. It’s tough and there are a thousand memories but there is also hope and I do want her to let go of the past.

    One of the things which hurt the most is seeing one’s loved ones grieving. It isn’t easy but we can only hope for the best.

    In fact, my latest poem is about it. Give it a read whenever you can.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree, watching loved ones suffer in itself is suffrage we chose to bare or reject.

      As for the anger, which I hoped would be picked up on, its not anger but grief speaking instead, and as such the speaker’s instinct to be true to themselves, true to their love for others by explaing away griefs reaction to those attempting to comfort.

      Concluding it may simply be they lack the ability to love so unconditionally.

      Thank you for all your comments and following.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Grief is one of those things where it is hard for people around the mourner to find the right comforting to say (because words can only provide limited comfort in the face of a terrible loss) and unfortunately, all too easy for someone to say something insensitive. This poem is so sad and powerful. My heart goes out to you for the loss that inspired it. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Powerfully expressed emotions delivered felt strongly Poet.

    💔

    A grieving heart needs to be to honored in it’s entirety.

    I truly loved this last line of your poem:

    “But then again, it might be

    They’ve never loved anyone

    Let alone… unconditionally

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I’ve never lost a child…just the thought of the pain it would cause is unimaginable. I’ve lost my parents, my first husband, a brother, and a nephew that was like a brother. Not to mention, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. But one’s child…that’s the hardest. May time bring you peace, and the ability to remember the joy she brought into your life, and the lessening of grief. 💙

    Liked by 1 person

  5. So many people don’t know what to say to one experiencing grief. “I’m sorry for your loss,” feels so inadequate, so like you stated, many ignore you. As you know, it doesn’t mean they don’t care. As for myself, I say a simple “I’m sorry,” and give a hug. And hold on until the person wants to let go, which sometimes isn’t until after some tears are shed. Simple human contact can bring much comfort.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I do agree, human acknowledgment of I understand you’re grieving even if I can’t alleviate why… makes all the difference, imo. You’ve respectfully and keenly pointed out you can relate up to a point but acknowledge openly you really can’t fathom it’s fullnesses due to a lack of experience. I’m my world, you’re honestly is rare and indicative of a good and empathetic heart. Thank you for sharing it.

      Liked by 1 person

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