Why You ? A Poem on Sudden Loss and Grief
Introduction
This poem. Why You?, resonates with anyone who has experienced the sudden loss of a loved one. It speaks to the universal feelings of confusion, anger, and profound sadness, while also offering a glimmer of hope as the speaker slowly begins to rebuild their life and come to terms with the loss.
Grief is an intense and personal journey, particularly when it comes as a result of sudden or unexpected loss. The shock can be overwhelming, leaving those left behind grappling with a flood of emotions that are hard to process. Marc Lemezma’s poem, “Why You?” captures this emotional turmoil and traces the path from initial shock and disbelief to the eventual acceptance and the beginning of healing.
Why You? – A Poem by Marc Lemezma
A rude awakening from my dreams,
To this cold, hard now, where silence screams,
I wrestle grief; please show me how
Why you, why me, why us, why now?
My world a broken glass in shards
Tumbling like a house of cards
You were here, then not, out of the blue
Why me, why us, why now, why you?
Search the pieces, none seem to fit
Our past is lost, my future split
I search for hope, I can’t yet see
Why us, why now, Why you, why me?
At last, I dare to welcome hope
As I inch my way on the icy slope
Each careful step rebuilding trust
Why now, why you, why me, why us?
To learn love stays and will never end
And quell my grief, my silent friend
Revealing hope, now I know
For you, For me, For us, I let go!
Analysis of the Poem
This poem begins with a stark confrontation of loss, described as a “rude awakening” from dreams into a harsh reality where “silence screams.” The imagery used throughout the poem reflects the disorienting and shattering nature of sudden grief. The repetitive questioning—“Why you, why me, why us, why now?”—emphasizes the speaker’s disbelief and struggle to comprehend the loss.
The metaphor of a “broken glass in shards” and a “house of cards” tumbling down conveys the fragility of life and the speaker’s world being irreparably altered. The poem effectively portrays the early stages of grief, where nothing seems to make sense, and the future appears bleak and uncertain.
As the poem progresses, the tone shifts from despair to a cautious embrace of hope. The “icy slope” represents the difficulty of moving forward, with each “careful step” symbolizing the slow, deliberate process of healing. The speaker begins to rebuild trust in life, acknowledging that love remains even after the physical presence of the loved one is gone.
The final stanza brings a sense of resolution and peace. The speaker learns to let go of the overwhelming grief, finding solace in the enduring presence of love. The repetition of “For you, For me, For us, I let go!” suggests a release from the paralyzing grip of loss, allowing both the departed and the speaker to find peace.
This poem is a powerful reflection on the transformative nature of grief. It illustrates the journey from shock and despair to acceptance and hope, offering comfort to those who are navigating their own paths through loss.
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Thank You
All the poems I share on my website or social media are often found in the public domain and are sometimes used at funerals.
Wherever known, I do give credit and thanks to the author.
If you know the author of any I have marked as ‘unknown’, then let me know, and I will amend the page.
If you chose to share or use the poetry at a funeral or memorial service, please give the author credit.
