I didn’t know a heart could die
before it stopped beating.
I didn’t know a existence could cease
before it stopped breathing.

I didn’t know how devastation
could wend a residing soul
I didn’t know how death could make
1 shed all self deal with.

I didn’t know the discomfort of reduction
was so intense and sharp.
I didn’t know the depth of void
death leaves inside the heart.

I didn’t know how often tears
would redden hurting eyes.
I didn’t know how tough it was
to say one’s last fantastic-bye’s.

I didn’t know that discomfort would arrive
and go as it nicely pleased.
I didn’t know that joy is scarce
to these who are bereaved.

I didn’t know that time would stop
and which indicates cease to be.
I didn’t know that buddies would pray
but shy absent from me.

I didn’t know how tough
to get the entire evening by way of.
I didn’t know the strength it took
for easy responsibilities to do.

I didn’t know that as time pass
gradually, the discomfort subsides.
I didn’t know what I believed was misplaced
nevertheless in my heart resides.

Now I know a little spark,
somehow in me remained.
Now I know that someway,
my existence will be sustained.

Now I know the feelings felt,
had been all a component of grief.
Now I know how fervent prayer
aided me to uncover relief.

So relaxation assured my mysterious buddies,
even though healing arrives actual sluggish.
It really does get a lot much better
for now, I really know.

Indeed I survived my cherished 1 death
that occurred this time last yr.
I really feel the reduction and usually will
but the pain’s a lot much less serious.

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, social employee, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. http://www.clergyservices4u.org She is also the writer of two coffee table publications: Area Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Unfavorable Disturbances: Homilies that Educate. Her new manual, Out of Deep Waters: A Grief Healing Workbook, will be accessible soon.