Line Gauthier Poet Couplet

The Phases of Grief

THE PHASES OF GRIEF
bereavement pain physical
spiritual and philosophical 

SHOCK & DENIAL
can’t find relief
overwhelming numbed disbelief

PAIN & GUILT
unbearable preemptive suffering 
remorseful chaos excruciating

ANGER & BARGAINING
growing bitter frustration 
time rewinding negotiation

DEPRESSION & REFLECTION
grieving bitter loneliness
memories filling emptiness

THE UPWARD TURN
adjusting calmer living
affliction less unforgiving

RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH
willingness to survive
becoming functionally alive

ACCEPTANCE & HOPE
handling new reality
reinventing integral repartee



AP: 2nd place 2025, 2nd place 2025

Submitted on October 8, 2018 for contest SIX-WORD COUPLET SERIES ENCORE sponsored by MARK TONEY  -  RANKED 1ST

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Timothy Mcguire December 4, 2018 at 7:25 PM What a expert on the use of the English language, well done! Line Gauthier December 4, 2018 at 8:19 PM Thank you so much, Timothy. You are too generous with your kind comments. Line xx

Carolyn Devonshire December 3, 2018 at 7:22 PM Oh, I love how you addressed all of the stages of grieving, Line. The bargaining and attempts to turn back time never work, but still we go through this. I know it's been a rough year for you and I hope 2019 brings better days. It takes time and recovery is inconsistent. Congratulations on your first place! Line Gauthier December 4, 2018 at 8:21 PM Thank you so much, Carolyn, for your very kind words of encouragement. Most appreciated. Line xx

Mark Toney December 3, 2018 at 6:21 PM Line, thank you for entering the contest, and congratulations on your first place finish! How effectively you describe the agonizing path from bereavement to acceptance and hope. A FAV for me. ~Mark Line Gauthier December 3, 2018 at 7:59 PM Thank you so much, Mark. Most appreciated. A fun contest.

Rhona Mcferran October 9, 2018 at 12:06 PM This is brilliant, Line! A definite FAV for me. I love the way you bring us through those horribly difficult phases and end on such an encouraging note... SO well done! *hat off, bowing to you* Line Gauthier October 9, 2018 at 3:08 PM Thank you for your most appreciated visit and compliment, Rhona.

Tom Cunningham October 8, 2018 at 3:12 PM Well written couplets Line. Tom. PS. Have soup mailed you. Line Gauthier October 8, 2018 at 8:57 PM Thank you so much, Tom. Most appreciated.

Connie Marcum Wong October 8, 2018 at 2:16 PM You make this look easy Line....but I know it is not. Well done! ; ) Line Gauthier October 8, 2018 at 2:43 PM Thank you for your lovely visit, Connie... I assume you mean going through all those phases... i.e. easier said than done. Line xx