Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond's glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave an cry;
I am not there,

I did not die.

Author Unknown

My Child’s Name

Go ahead and mention my child,

The one that died, you know.

Don’t worry about hurting me further.

The depth of my pain doesn’t show.

Don’t worry about making me cry.

I’m already crying inside.

Help me to heal by releasing the tears that I try to hide.

I’m hurt when you just keep silent, pretending he didn’t exist.

I’d rather you mention my child,

Knowing that he has been missed.

You asked me how I was doing,

I say “pretty good” or “fine.”

But healing is something ongoing.

I feel it will take a lifetime.

Author Unknown

A New Baby

A New Baby
By Debbie Love
Reprinted from Heartbeats: A Collection of Poems compiled by the Center for Loss in Multiple Birth (CLIMB), Inc.

A new baby, how wonderful
everyone does say, but if they could feel
the pain that came before this day.

To have your children die at such
an early stage, makes you wonder
if this day will end in the same way.

You have been down roads that
no parent should ever have to go.
and now you bring a new life into this world
hoping tragedy comes your way no more.

This baby means so much to you, but
it will never take away the pain
or make you forget. It lets others
go on with life and think it was
all for the best.

Oh how you miss your children
that have died before this day,
but remember them in your heart and
they will never go away.

Man in Grief

It must be very difficult

To be a man in grief,

Since "men don't cry" and "men are strong"

No tears can bring relief.

It must be very difficult

To stand up to the test

And field calls and visitors

So she can get some rest.

They always ask if she's all right

And what she's going through,

But seldom take his hand and ask,

"My friend, but how are you?"

He hears her crying in the night

And thinks his heart will break.

He dries her tears and comforts her,

But "stays strong" for her sake.

It must be very difficult

To start each day anew

And try to be so very brave--

He lost his baby too.

Author Unknown