Poetry can bring solace when someone we love has died, whether calling upon religious faith, reminding us of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, or simply providing a soothing pattern of rhythm and sound. Poetry can also serve as a loving tribute to keep the memory of the one we lost alive.
In the present instance, however, poetry has failed me. Miserably.
My little brother George died unexpectedly of graft versus host on November 30, 2017. After the initial raw anguish, I wanted to write a tribute to him, a poem that would capture his essence for our family to hold and cherish for ourselves and then share with others.
I knew it would be hard, very hard, but I thought I could do it. I’m a writer, after all. Words are my stock in trade.
I couldn’t do it. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t do it. The right words just wouldn’t come.
“Grief Song”
I had to write “Grief Song” instead. The first two lines of the poem were prompted by the younger of George’s two grandsons. Cleaning up Glitter has published “Grief Song” in their inaugural issue: “Grief Song.”
Elizabeth Gauffreau 
The right words did appear, Liz. This is lovely. How wonderful, that your poem for your brother will be published!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Becky. I like to think that every person who reads the poem will help keep his memory alive.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Just enough… a tribute of love…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! Your blog has been included in INTERESTING BLOGS in FRIDAY FOSSICKING at
https://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com/2019/04/friday-fossicking-26th-april-2019.html
Thanks, Chris
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Chris!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful poem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Shayne.
LikeLike
So sad, lovely words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Meryl.
LikeLike
Lovely, Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Karen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so sorry for your great loss! What a beautiful tribute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Zoe. I just wish I could do more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lump in throat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and commenting, Joy.
LikeLike
Liz – It can often take so much time to feel the pen in your hand. It took me 17 years to write the blog post regarding my mother’s death: https://rizziallen.wordpress.com/2018/02/23/when-it-was-time-to-say-goodbye/
You have made a great start here. Time will show you the words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your comments, Allen. I’ve flagged the post about your mother to read later when I have some quiet time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe it’s not about George, per se, but it’s an apt expression of how affected you are by the loss of him. Nicely done and very touching.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Eilene,
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely poem, and an even more touching photo. I had no siblings, but beneath the images and the words lies a witness to what a wonderful experience it can be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. George gave my childhood fun, mischief, and companionship.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought that I had commented on your post, Liz! A profound tribute to a life well-lived and the memories that were made to sustain you on your personal journey forward. Poetry has a way of defining moments that are difficult to verbalize. I loved the photo of the dynamic duo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Rebecca. When George and I joined forces, we could get into some serious mischief.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I barely read poetry, and I definitely can’t write it. This touched me deeply, though, and showed me that you can write it beautifully. Sympathy for your continued loss and kudos for your well-deserved publication.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and commenting, Ranee. I appreciate it.
LikeLike
Sometimes for a while , even for a long while some things are better left silent
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I expect you’re right.
LikeLike
I can only imagine how much you must miss him. Your poem is a beautiful honor Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Suzanne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liz, this is beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Charles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you dear Liz for sharing the poem. Us, who love to write. We write words that make us remember the good days and the sad days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and commenting, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome Liz. I lost five brothers in my lifetime. I have many poems for them. Four lost to drugs and two were only twenty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so sorry to hear that, John. What a heavy burden of loss for you to bear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lessons for me to be kinder. To listen, not lecture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very sorry for your loss.
But your words bring him back.
In fact, he is everywhere isn’t he?
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. George is definitely with me everywhere I go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Beautifully written. Your words are moving.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words.
LikeLike
I’m so sorry to hear about your brother, Liz. Your poem is lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading and commenting, Jennie. I appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Losing someone close is very hard. Our emotions run deep and amok at times, making it hard to focus on everyday issues and tasks.
May peace be with you in these days of grief and mourning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your thoughtful response. I appreciate your taking the time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are most welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes the Muse falls silent in homage, collecting the power of the moment, cataloging the pain and joy for the time when we will be ready to share them… a sad tribute when we need the immediate consolation…but an indication of the potency of love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your eloquent words of solace, KC. They mean a lot.
LikeLike
First, let me extend my sympathy on your lose.
The poem is powerful and well done. A good dedication to the love you had for your brother.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, William. I appreciate your reading and commenting.
LikeLike
Beautiful words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nina.
LikeLike
Liz, I don’t know the pain of losing a brother, nor the joys of having one. Your heart pours out in your loving tribute. For me the loss that was decades ago and yesterday also brought forth a poem. https://poetryphotosandmusingsohmy.wordpress.com/2012/05/26/and-the-rain-fell/
While she is often in my thoughts, I feel her most of all, when the rain falls. Léa
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry you lost your daughter so young. I read your beautiful tribute to her. Thank you for sharing it with me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words and for following one of my blogs. No doubt we both know that letting go is the most difficult of love’s lessons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It definitely is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. Harsh and cruel as Death itself. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liz, you found words to bring honor and remembrance. Thanks again for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So touching!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Valerie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The poem was simple and heartfelt. That’s what we all want right? to get them back… grief spans years doesn’t it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it does. Thank you for reading and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely tribute Liz for someone loved who has gone too soon..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sally. I miss George terribly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read it and I know this was exactly what you intend to write about in the first place. I am sorry to know about your loss. Your brother is now safe in His arms. May God bless your family through this trying time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Tina. We feel the loss every day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful, sad, needed to be released into the universe. continue…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Tony. I still have days when I can’t believe George is gone.
LikeLike