Grief and Psalm 23

from a series of grief poems

Grief is a dark valley,

the valley of the Shadow of Death; but
Even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil for you are with me.

Grief crushes the soul,

and leaves it parched; but
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.

Grief stabs at our faith,

just when we need it; but
He guides me in paths of righteousness
For his name sake.

Grief starves our spirit,

and leaves it sick; but
You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies
You anoint my head with oil,
My cup overflows.

Grief mocks at life itself,

robbing it of joy; but
Surely goodness and love will follow me
All the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Reviews

[lovelymarina]

Beautiful words, Shelley. Sometimes grief feels like a never ending stab to the chest...but better to love and lose than to never love at all. It's the gift of life, and with a little bit of faith, they will eternally be with you.
Xx,
Marina

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Shelley,
I like how you used the bible passages as a springboard for your own offerings on life and death....
dwelling in the house of the lord...doesn't have to mean a building on Sunday, organized religion, etc.
Raised Catholic, I have since faded away from that, but remain spiritually inclined to my own avenues to God and what matters...not so much creeds and tenets, but action...and how we treat each other.
Love this poem.
j.

[Shelley Warner]

Thank you Jacob, I agree with you, too, about spirituality.

[Paul Bell]

Not very religious myself, but I like other people to be religious on my behalf, just in case I need a piggyback into heaven. I suppose life is a journey, death being the inevitable end we all succumb to. It's what we do with the gift of life that matters, that's why we must live it to the full.

[Shelley Warner]

I understand about not being religious. I used to attend conservative churches and that was harmful to be spiritually and emotionally. Since then I have become much more liberal. And I believe all are loved and no one is left out of Heaven. (Universal salvation) Thanks for reading.

[Chris Shaw]

Beautifully penned Shelley. I love your thoughts here on grief entwined with Psalm 23. Grief is a journey, sometimes a long one. That's the price we pay for loving.

Chris

[Shelley Warner]

Yes, it is the price we pay for loving. Thank you for your review.

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome.

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

This is beautifully written. It reads like a song. Tyfs

[Shelley Warner]

Thank you Cyprian, I appreciate the feedback.