A Poem of loss….for us and too many others

Something a little different this week.

5 years ago today my brave little girl lost her fight for life. I have been loved and supported by so many in that time. On the day of her funeral my beautiful and talented friend Lucy wrote and read a poem for us. I thought it should be shared.  In my work as representative for Heartfelt, I hear almost every day of others enduring loss. So here it is, a poem for us and for too many others….

 

Our hearts will seem useless to a mother and father

whose child has gone like the days last sun-

but we will offer them anyway.

Our hearts with a room to hold their grief

to hold it up to the light

and see it drifting down to cover these people who dared to love

All words will appear clumsy and common

but we should open our mouths and say them.

Words with the warmth to build a fire

in a dark room of a future night

This is a poem for loss

to tell you we saw you love your daughter boldly and purely before she left

to tell you we know you will love her still

Her smile mirrored in the smile of the boys you will keep.

This is what we can offer-

the ink drying on the page

our restless sleep in which we dream to save her

our waking hours if you should need us

and the cruel confusion of all sorrow

and not knowing where to go now

into the changed day.

 

by Lucy Williams

 

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This Post Has 23 Comments

  1. What a beautiful poem by Lucy. It must have been a particularly special moment in the funeral. I am sorry for the loss of your precious child xx

    1. Martine

      Thankyou and it was very special x

  2. Jasmin

    Thinking of you. Much love to you and yours x

    1. Martine

      Thanks Jasmin x

  3. Naomi Ellis

    So beautiful! I love that you continue to write about her and feel so blessed to know her through your words and blog. Much love. N xx

    1. Martine

      Thanks Naomi, I too love that this blog gives me a place to write about her and share her with others x

  4. Jackie

    At a time when it is so difficult to know what to say, I think your friend found the perfect words. Thank you for sharing. Thinking of you today.

  5. Rhianna

    What beautiful words. Fairy wishes and butterfly kisses lovely, so sorry for your heartbreaking loss

  6. Louisa

    Oh wow Martine. What amazing words and beautiful friend. Thank you for sharing this with us. xx

  7. JulieM@Off to the Park

    Such a lovely poem, for a lovely little girl. I’m sorry for your loss. Visiting from FYBF.

  8. Wendy Parks

    So sorry to hear that you have lost a precious daughter. This poem bought tears to my eyes. I recently lost a baby through miscarriage, and the grief associated with that was heavy enough. I can’t begin to imagine the loss you have experienced, only that joy that you got to hold her, at least for a short time.
    FYBF

  9. Carla

    I am so sorry for your loss. Beautiful poem!

  10. Stephanie

    thanks for sharing the poem. Hoping the memories of her time with you helps eases the pain.

  11. Zanni

    I am so saddened to hear about your daughter. I can’t imagine your grief. What an amazing poem. Xx :,-(

  12. I think losing a child must be the worst thing a person could ever go through. Sorry for you loss x

  13. Beck/craftypjmum

    A beautiful beautiful poem. Thoughts, prayers and huge hugs for you and your family xx

  14. Mum Talks Autism

    Firstly and foremost I am so incredibly saddened for you and your family for the loss of your precious girl. There are no words and I think Lucy encapsulated that fact perfectly. When you don’t know what to say, say it anyway. Just be there.

    My darling son Robert was killed ten years ago this past January. Losing him was a life changing moment. I would never say I know how you feel because your journey and your loss is just that, yours. I will say that you are in my thoughts and prayers and know you are thought of through this difficult time.

    Lucy you are a beautiful person and that is evident in your heartfelt, touching words. No doubt you are a blessing at this time as would you have been through this tragedy.

    I wish you happiness and sunshine and everything good to come your way.

    Much Love.
    Coralie aka Mum Talks Autism.

  15. Amanda

    That is a beautiful poem. My prayers are with you in this hard time.

  16. kirri

    Lucy sounds like a wonderful friend – such heartfelt words x
    She’s so beautiful Martine.

    1. Martine

      She is a wonderful friend and yes my little girl is beautiful too x

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