Beautiful Bittersweet Life Poems

Exploring the world of life and grief through poetry.

Tag: Bittersweet Life

  • Friend, Mate, Amiga: Reflections On Friendship

    Friend, Mate, Amiga: Reflections On Friendship

    For Nancy

    I greet you with, “Hello, friend,”
    a sacred salutation of recognition
    of the deep connection that we share.
    For it is in this space that we are united
    by a bond deeper than blood.
    For we choose each other
    to share this short time on the planet.
    We’ve shared so much over the years
    that the depth of our laughter flows
    from the earth in a cascade of water
    rushing downstream in wild abandon.
    Our hearts find comfort and safety
    in each other’s company
    when they’ve been shattered
    by the sorrow that comes from living and loving.
    As the seasons of our life continue to change,
    and we face new challenges,
    I’m grateful for the solace I’ve found
    knowing that we traverse this road together.
    Although we live far apart from each other,
    when I hear your voice,
    I will always feel that you are just around the corner.

    Best Friends Forever
  • Choose Kindness: Random Acts of Kindness Day

    Choose Kindness: Random Acts of Kindness Day

    Grand gestures are not required.
    For when we meet each other
    with an open heart, a kind smile,
    a warm embrace, greeting a stranger,
    reaching our hand out to someone else,
    we are making the world a better place.
    We may never see the outcome, but know,
    you have made a difference by choosing kindness.

  • What If

    What If

    On Living With a Chronic Condition

    Sweetheart, it’s okay to stop fighting.
    It’s not giving up, but coming to terms
    with the reality that was not of your choice.
    For if combat was an option against
    a body that refuses to work the way it once did,
    you would be better by now.
    The stash of energy that you could draw on before
    is now depleted and doesn’t recharge easily.
    What if you chose to shower yourself
    with kindness and compassion instead?
    It wouldn’t undo the physical changes,
    but, oh, how it will soothe your weary soul.
    It will give you the space to breathe deeply,
    What if you treat yourself like
    your best friend?
    How gentle you would be,
    holding them in a warm loving embrace,
    meeting them right where they’re at.
    What if you allowed yourself to grieve
    the life you once lived so easily?
    It’s not a sign of weakness or surrender,
    but choosing to find some serenity
    on a journey that is already wearisome.
    I know, sweetheart, that there are days
    when it all feels too much, but what if
    you took a moment, an hour, a day,
    to give yourself a break from the demands in your head
    and just be.

  • Night Tears

    Night Tears

    In the darkness of the night,
    when my body wants nothing more than to sleep,
    I awake to the quiet of my room,
    Alone, lonely, tears forming in my eyes.
    Unprovoked by dreams,
    the sadness shows up,
    an unwelcome friend that
    doesn’t get the hint they weren’t invited
    and it’s time to leave.
    “Sweetheart, it’s okay to cry,” they say.
    “Not at 4 in the morning!” I shout,
    as I try to lull myself back to sleep.
    “Okay,” they answer, “I’ll see you later.”
    And they evaporate just like the
    tears that had escaped.
    And I managed to drift off until
    the morning light filters through the window.
    As promised, they meet me as I open my eyes,
    gently stroking my face, reminding me
    that the tears will always come,
    but so will the joy and laughter.
    “It’s because you love, my darling,
    that you must feel it all.”

  • Never Enough Time

    Never Enough Time

    Tonight, my heart aches for you,
    as your absence stretches out like the universe.
    Where memories of you are as numerous as the stars,
    but your presence is forever out of reach.
    You were my strength and font of wisdom
    when I felt lost and scared.
    No trip was too long to take to help me out,
    my road warrior who loved to be behind the wheel.
    You held me tight when I was young,
    protective of your brood of children.
    I still remember the tears on my cheeks
    when you would leave us at camp
    to return to work for the week.
    How I wish I could sit by your side
    just one more time and hear the love in your voice,
    the joy you had recounting your many adventures.
    But one more time would never be enough.
    So, I trek through this world,
    buoyed by the love you infused in me.
    I carry you with me wherever I go,
    sharing stories with people who didn’t
    have the good fortune to know you.
    But then there will be days like this,
    when my body isn’t working right
    and I’m hollowed out, that I’ll
    long to hear you say, “Hey, Jen. It’s dad.
    I’ll talk to you later.”