https://Voice.club - For me, poetry is a friend and companion, something to depend on when the world turns upside down.
The great Anglo-Irish poet David Whyte (b. 1955) has helped me through many difficult times with his poetry that touches the heart and soothes the soul. Here is his beautiful poem about grief. I read this poem over and over again when my oldest son died unexpectedly in 2001. I hope it can help others who are grieving.
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The Well of Grief
Those who will not slip beneath
the still surface on the well of grief,
turning down through its black water
to the place we cannot breathe,
will never know the source from which we drink,
the secret water, cold and clear,
nor find in the darkness glimmering,
the small round coins,
thrown by those who wished for something else.
Julie, thank you for recommending David Whyte for his dramatic poetry on grief I went to YouTube to hear him read “Everything is Waiting for You.” Utterly moving. I need to borrow an anthology of his from the library.
I know that “Sorry” is an extremely inadequate word to say to anyone who has suffered a close family loss. I realise too that there is nothing I can do to support you and help you heal. I think I can help in an indirect way by passing kindness to someone else who has suffered a loss, become depressive, lonely, angry , lost faith and a desire to live.
Recently we travelled swiftly to French Canada to help support our eldest daughter. Feeling sad being so far away- different country and time zone -but we will do what we can!
What a beautiful poem. I am in agreement with Margarida in thanking you for introducing a new poet. I, too, will be reading more of his poetry. Even when not faced with personal grief, one can still enjoy the depth of such poetry.
Hello Margarida - I am happy to hear that you were moved by David Whyte’s poetry reading. I’m very familiar with “Everything is Waiting for You”. It’s one of my favorites. I don’t have any anthologies by him, but there is a wealth of his work on the Internet, including several TED Talks. He helped me get through some hard times. I know you and your husband must be a real comfort to your daughter in her time of grief. Just being there for each other is a great gift. Blessings to your family.
Thank you so much, Susan, for your comment. Listening to David Whyte read his poetry and give comments about such universal topics as grief, loneliness, and what he calls “the conversational nature of reality” is truly a panacea for the soul!
Thank you, Melissa. David Whyte and his poetry helped me through chemotherapy and surgery as well as times of grief. Poetry has always spoken to me deeply.
