Thursday, January 6, 2011

The Elephant Lingers

Written for bereaved parents who ache when friends and family avoid bringing up the name or memory of their child.

The Elephant Lingers

Smiling conversations,
current events and weather predictions.
The elephant lumbers through the room.
A loss not consequential enough for weather discussions.

Spirituality and compassion carefully
hidden in a closet like delicate lace.
‘Silence is golden’ approach applied to
wounds needing hugs and communication.
The elephant roars.

Humanity tested
in every deflected opportunity.
Unwilling to share memories, joys, a connection.
Parents bleeding, suffering the silence
of the world.

Trapped by walls of avoidance
the elephant remains
locked in the room of chit-chat
surrounded by the weather commentators. 
  - Marsha Abbott


Visit A New Journey on Facebook. A place for grieving parents, siblings and caring friends searching for hope after the death of a child.

I can be reached by email at: Marsha@nwdesignservices.com
Feel free to leave comments here, on facebook or via email.a
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2 comments:

  1. This is such an important thing that many friends and family of bereaved parents don't know. When people don't share wonderful memories of the child, it feels like our child is being forgotten. I think sometimes people think it makes a parent sad to talk or hear things about their child. For me the reverse is true. Hearing kind words, funny remembrances or just anything is so comforting for me. I wish the world knew this. -Karen (Colin's mom, forever)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lynne (Dree's Mom)May 28, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Marsha, I love your website!

    ReplyDelete