Grief by Jennifer Hammersmark

Grief is sticky green, like gum

on the bottom of my shoe

break

Grief is pungent, the stench

hanging in the air

No escape from its tendrils

forever

grabbing

relentlessly

space

Grief is a stale sour lemon

with mould forming on the edges

creeping into my mouth

break

Grief is warm and inviting

until I begin to settle into its embrace

then it smothering me

robbing the air from my lungs

choking the life out of me

break

Grief is smooth and slippery

As the grade increases

it is challenging to stay upright

falling

sliding

into darkness

the light barely visible

b

Grief becomes a friend

Hanging around

Keeping me company

Keeping me stuck—

A bad friend

who pretends to be supportive

b

Grief is a liar

That promises to stay forever

so I won’t forget

to keep his memory alive

to be respectful

b

Grief is an unwanted guest

that has stayed far too long

Lingering in my heart

Living in my thoughts

Pervading my dreams

Robbing me of joy

of peace

b

Goodbye, my friend

The time has come

For you to go

I must live again

And I won’t forget

How important he was

b

I am sorry

You mattered

I tried

I love you

and I have grown

About the Author

Dr. Jen is the Owner of The Counselling Group in White Rock, B.C. and presently resides in Salmo, B.C. Her mission is to touch and heal as many as possible, she does this through her therapy practice, but also through her writing. Thanks for embracing this form

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