Home // A Grief Poem
The older I get, the more I feel that home is the place where your heart goes to rest.
When you grieve the loss of someone you love, it can be hard to find that sense of home – because that someone you love was your home, or was at least a very significant part of what you call “home.”
This grief poem is about rediscovering that sense of home again, right where you stand.
It’s a comforting thought to explore.
May you find your own truth in these words.
Home // A Grief Poem
You were here then like you aren’t
Now, and I am grateful today like I was not
Then, for I could not begin to know
How precious you were to me.
And for a time I sit here
In a mixture of sorrow and thanks
For what I’ve had
For every breath I’ve missed since then.
For a time
I was home beside you
Right where I belonged.
How I’ve learnt since
How much we have but do not see
How much we feel that we keep secret
How much the smallest of things can mean.
A memory of you passes
Through my mind
Like a shard of light and I wonder,
How you’ve been here all this time with me
Through me
Beyond me
Like no other.
For a time
I am home beside you,
Between this world and another
Boundaries made of mist and
Nothingness
Would come between us here.
. . .
Tell me:
What does this grief poem bring to mind, what does it mean to you?
Tell me in the comments. Whatever you share is a therapy in its own right, for all of us.
Much love,
Jen
P.S. Want words like these in your inbox? Sign up for Tuesday emails and you'll also get my Healing Brave Manifesto (plus weekly giveaways) totally free.
Comments on this post (7)
Thank you. My 21 yr old son died June 30,2023. He’s a father of a 2 yr old son and a week old daughter. I miss himnso bad, it hurts.
I know he is Home. But my heart says he’s supposed to be here. Thank you for this poem, it’s beautiful, and while he is Home, he’s also in my heart, with me now here.
— Autumn Hamblin
A beautiful poem 💖reminds me of all the loving moments I shared together with my late husband; and how I wished I had many more of those!
I sense him around me , just on the other side!
— Faiza
Nice to take a difficult emotion and bring it home again to find myself here as if I never left…thank you
— Lisa Rose
Thank you Jim. <3
— Jennifer Williamson
So much love to you Carol and the path you’re walking now. x
— Jennifer Williamson
Your poem is so beautiful.
— Jim
I miss my friend Roxanne and often speak to her. I also miss my long time friends at home. NY will always be my HOME. I love your inspiration. You warm my heart and make me smile 😊
— Carol Kettel