Beautiful Bittersweet Life Poems

Exploring the world of life and grief through poetry.

Tag: Finding Serenity

  • Relentless Appreciation

    Relentless Appreciation

    Finding Joy After Loss

    When the heart breaks open from the searing pain of
    unbearable loss and the walls crumble to the ground,
    the unimaginable happens:
    relentless appreciation for what is left behind.
    It streams from my soul with the force of a tsunami.
    My love for those I meet in person and online has grown,
    and I feel joy when I spend time in their presence.
    My soul is filled with peace as I traverse the garden path,
    captivated by the beauty of the flowering plants
    and the perfumed, soaked air they create.
    I watch the flying creatures with fascination as they busy themselves finding food and building homes.
    I love the sound of birdsong, whether I’m wandering outside
    or enjoying their symphony from inside my home.
    For knowing there is but a short time
    between birth and death, I breathe in deeply
    all that life has to offer me.

  • Meet Me Under The Blood Moon

    Meet Me Under The Blood Moon

    For Mike

    I wrestled the camera onto the tripod,
    preparing for the appearance of the blood red moon.
    I traipsed in and out of the house,
    making sure the camera base fit tightly to the stand,
    gathering extra batteries so I could capture the moment
    and adding layers of clothing
    to keep me warm from the bitter night air.
    Finally, everything was set,
    and I could enjoy the celestial drama.

    What I found as I tilted my head upwards in between shots
    was a wave of peace washing over me.
    On this day when you died thirteen years ago
    you felt so close in this otherworldly expanse of time and space.
    As the red shadow floated next to the dazzling moon
    it was like we were dancing in the sky.
    And though I can no longer feel your arms around me
    or hear you speak my name,
    at that moment, I knew that you were somewhere,
    just out of reach, watching over me from another horizon.

  • How Community Heals the Soul

    How Community Heals the Soul

    When the world feels so dark,
    caving in with relentless bad news,
    for that is what lifts the ratings
    and increases revenues,
    but at what cost?
    It’s then that I shut the news down,
    and walk away from doom scrolling,
    turning to the communities that
    refresh my soul and hold me in safety.
    When I open the door to my people,
    whether online or in person,
    I feel peace settle over my heart
    as I take in all those beautiful faces,
    their love washing over me.
    The vitriol of society is forbidden entrance,
    as those who want to bring light gather.
    Each circle that I’ve joined has changed me for the better,
    providing hope that when we unite with the intention
    of love and support, we can truly be our better angels.