Kathleen Hassall Poet Free verse

Scattered Pieces

My world shattered in May when my youngest son
took his own life after a long struggle with mental illness
I tried to help him so many times, but it seemed, 
the more I tried, the more he pulled away

I had to come to the conclusion that it was not my struggle
and live my own life, while letting him know that I was there
to help when needed, I had to keep going forward in my 
own life and find a purpose for myself while he lived his

When my world shattered, I gathered as many pieces as I could
and started to rebuild my world, and I noticed there were some
parts that would not fit in my new life and that's okay,
I just needed to keep moving forward and recognize that I am different

It is so hard at times to realize that I am leaving the life with my son
in it behind, but I will never forget him and will love him with a mama's
unconditional love forever, and I do look forward to the day that
I will see him again, whole, healed, and in a good place

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Danny Derden September 26, 2025 at 9:24 AM That is an incredibly brave and profoundly moving piece of writing. Thank you for sharing such an intimate and powerful reflection on your loss, grief, and journey toward healing. The poem captures the immense pain of a world shattered by tragedy, the complexity of supporting a loved one with mental illness, and the essential, difficult work of self-preservation ("it was not my struggle"). Kathleen Hassall September 28, 2025 at 8:45 AM Thank you, Danny. Writing has been a big part of my healing journey.

Unseeking Seeker September 6, 2025 at 7:13 AM Extremely tragic, Kathleen. Time slowly heals. Words are of use. It is important to fund emotional support from family and friends. However in such moments, through prayer and meditation, there can be a quantum leap in spiritual upliftment. Kathleen Hassall September 6, 2025 at 1:28 PM Thank you, Unseeking. I have truly been held up by prayer and leaning on God. He has been there for me in ways I have never experienced before. I will move toward healing, but it takes time and words are helping me in a big way.