Remember Who You Are: Condolence Poetry

Loss can trigger self doubt

On a personal level, the people in our daily circles:  spouse, children, parents, friends and co-workers contribute to our dreams and our dramas. This is normal. Interactions at the breakfast table or coffee shop, over the phone or while sharing a commute help us grow roots and branches.

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And when a root or branch is severed by loss, a part of us seems suddenly missing. It hurts and it's confusing; it demands change and pushes us into the unknown. This upset to our equilibrium often triggers self doubt.

Overcoming inertia

While it can be a very good thing to momentarily apply the childhood street-crossing lesson, "STOP and LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING," isolating yourself with a loss should not become a habit. Sometimes, I find that visiting a fresh inspirational thought: a paragraph or poem or song--can motivate me past self doubt or inertia. Today, I offer readers a poem.

SOON

Soon it will be noon

And what have

You done?

The pool water

is smooth, you

Did not disturb

It.

The grass is high.

You sleep and it

Grows higher.

Would you like

A tall cool drink

On the veranda?

A lime garnish,

Sweat on the glass?

If you do,

Put on your shoes

And remember

Who you are.

~~~

Martin Ringwood, a Michigan poet

Care for ourselves, care for each other. Thank you for caring!