The Journey – A Beginning, Middle & End
The river of life flows through us all
Then when a death occurs, we get to fall
into Grief’s Abyss, a dark unfamiliar place
Down into the valley where we all must face
How to cope with all the changes
when the familiar landscape rearranges
Gone are the roads and highways once traveled
as our lives become unraveled
We’ve taken a wrong turn; we’re not meant to be here
We look around us and go into fear
as our compass resets and the road on the map shows
we must follow this path along where the river flows
Through a forest of Grief, this pathway we see
widens and intersects—which to take so we’ll be free?
One road leads to the flatlands, which go on for miles
there is nothing of interest it seems that will bring back smiles
The other has a roundabout with three roads just around a bend
Guilt, anger, and acceptance; oh, when will this journey end
Choose one, for the only way through is to openly mourn
So many people have traveled here long before you were born
Each has found his or her own way out and you will too
You will leave this land behind to face life anew
The climb back is steep; let me lead the way
I know you doubt, “How does she know?” I hear you say
For I have traveled through here some time ago
I got to claim my prize, Grief’s Gifts and I’m now in life’s flow
A review of your journey will show where you’ve been
glimpses of your growth, goals, and purpose all seen
We are all here to welcome you back for we know you are worthy
You’ve been gone for a while on your own a Hero’s journey
Whenever we get back into the river of life that flows through us all,
We’ll take comfort—we have our map and are ready if we fall
into Grief’s Abyss for we know
The Wheels of Samsara turn; the cycle of life continues
