Submitted by Ali Grimshaw
you believe that saying the right thing
will dissolve the pain, that you should
know how to ascend the sunken
afloat in powerlessness without
the words to reach the aggrieved
restore their hearts to harmony
don’t be swallowed by your lacking
the right words never have been
what the grieving seek
sufficient is whole face listening
eyes intent to bridge being
ears strong enough to hear
without changing the subject
and you can do that
anyone can
make that choice
For the first time in nearly five years, Vita Brevis is closed for submission. Read the full story here.
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Ali Grimshaw is an excellent poet. I’m glad you chose her work today.
Thanks
Such wonderful advice in poetic form. Just listening, attentive listening, is so helpful to those who grieve. Well done Ali.
Thank you Walt. I appreciate your response.
You’re very welcome Ali.
“Ears strong enough to hear without changing the subject.” You know grief as I have known grief. Thank you.
Lilli, I appreciate your reflection and appreciation. Take care.
It sounds like you’ve experienced this. Good advice.
My favorite lines:
the right words never have been
what the grieving seek
sufficient is whole face listening
Thank you for your reflection. I hope this poem inspires listening that brings comfort.
and you can do that
anyone can
make that choice
Thought poem, and well-written as usual, Ali. Congrats on the feature. I like how you acknowledge that we all have pain and feel lost at times, and we can see that in others too. Anyone of us can take a moment to give the other person some time and let them be, let them speak, and we just be there listen and to not judge.
What beautifully written words of wisdom!
What a profound poem and a golden advice. We all need a listening heart, one which does not judge. Empathy has been missing in lot of now these days.This poem reflect on the importance of having a compassionate heart.
Your poem is well-written, spot-on, heartfelt, and beautiful, Ali. Congratulations on getting it published, and how wonderful for all of us to have these words of wisdom available.