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On Losing Everything

Losing everything I have is repugnant to me, I’m thinking of a natural disaster, flood, or fire How traumatic losing everything would be, I can think of nothing so debilitating or dire. I empathize with those who lose their home, Especially quickly by a flash flood or a tornado, It would surely leave one with a PTSD syndrome Where everything dear is not even a shadow. Still I do not think of myself as being materialistic Things can always be replaced, but life not so, Better to talk damages than to be a grim statistic For a structure can be built up from ground zero. One never recovers, however, from loss of life Taken swiftly in the most horrible of circumstance, Friend, family member, beloved husband or wife In a situation one might think of as pure chance. Written July 20, 2022

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Ann Foster

Date: 7/13/2022 1:25:00 PM

never recovers... I agree. God helps us get through, but we are changed. This is a well-written poem. Ann

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/13/2022 3:46:00 PM

Thanks so much, Ann. I agree with you. I'm sure the resilience that most people have gets them through, but they are changed forever in their ways of thinking, I'm sure.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/11/2022 8:57:00 PM

The rebuilding of "losing everything" has helped many people re-prioritize what is important. I am not relishing the possibility, but there has been some good that arrived on the heels of devastation.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/12/2022 7:48:00 AM

I think you're right about this, Caren. I can certainly see it.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 7/10/2022 7:16:00 PM

The psychology of 'losing everything' can be devastating --- or liberating. Depends on the circumstances... E.g., I myself lost everything literally overnight in December of 1987. I won't go into the details, but it was liberating for me... You never can tell in life. :) gw

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/10/2022 7:18:00 PM

Well, I'd say you were an exceptional case, gw, but without knowing the circumstances (and I am not asking for them) it is hard to assess. I'm sure you would agree. I'm glad you came through with flying colors.

Mark Massey

Date: 7/10/2022 8:13:00 AM

Staying connected to the economy and/or society is a fragile balance. To start at zero can be daunting if not impossible without fellowship. Personal loss through physical or mental illness or material catastrophe can overcome even the strongest. Your piece is a reminder. Well done.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/10/2022 9:08:00 AM

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments on my poem, Mark. I appreciate them.

Jeff Kyser

Date: 7/10/2022 5:17:00 AM

I agree. We've built a home, and it is chock-full of stuff that brings memories, but ultimately, it is just "stuff".

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/10/2022 9:09:00 AM

I came to feel that way when Deb passed away, Jeff. As I went through her "stuff" I realized that none of it was really her and that nothing could replace her.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 7/10/2022 1:11:00 AM

You often see that on the news with folks losing everything but things can be replaced, unlike life. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/10/2022 9:12:00 AM

So true, Tom. And still, it is always so heartbreaking.