How To Write a Poem About Grief

Love and admire someone
Deeply,
Build a castle with him
Brick by brick,
Paint the walls with frescoes,
Draw dreams.

Hold him
When the illness comes,
Cook him chicken broth,
Kiss his sweaty forehead,
Suction his wounds,
Puff his pillows.

Drive him to the hospital,
Listen to the whirs in the room,
Check the lines on the monitors,
Introduce yourself to every nurse
Shift after shift,
Bargain with God.

Sign “Do not resuscitate,”
Watch his chest heave,
Leave the room 
When they pull out the tubes,
Come back,
Sense his heart beat

Stop.
Lay your head on his shoulder,
Memorize him,
Lie to the nurse
That you are ready
To say goodbye.

Brush your fingers across his cheek,
Press his bruised lips,
Twist your neck as you
Walk away,
Touch the cold doorjamb,
Write what you feel.

@Tess Harvester 2013
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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A  Avatar
May 9, 2013 at 9:44 PM
Tess, your poem is very enjoyable, :-) Wishing you a nice warm welcome to Poetry Soup. Wishing you the best in your writings. I hope you find this community to be one of the best. May you find inspiration by reading some of the poetry written here by other poets, and myself? If you ever want or need feedback on any given poem, please look me up by clicking on my name anytime you're on line. I'm looking forward in becoming your #1 poetry soup fan. Please keep me posted every time you post a poem <3 LUV ~*~SKAT"
Harvester Avatar
May 9, 2013 at 10:42 PM
You are so generous! Thank you.
Posey Avatar
May 7, 2013 at 3:50 PM
Tess, you have touched more hearts than you could ever imagine. We can all hope to have someone this loving present as we pass on.... Brilliantly written.... Jake
Harvester Avatar
May 7, 2013 at 4:16 PM
Thank you so much. Tess
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