First Post - Understanding Loss That Is Not My Own

I should probably post the first poem I ever wrote first, but I just don't have my poems chronicled like that. I decided to look at the ones I have on my computer and post one or two of those first.

In writing poems, I found much of what I do is to write about what I feel, observe, or am trying to understand. It's a far different thing to try to write about another person's emotion. So, this may be the only poem I write like this because it's inherently difficult to do.

I don't have a little girl. The closest I have been to that is deeply wanting to have a little girl with my wife. It didn't happen for us - we have two awesome boys. But here is how I imagine one could feel if blessed with a little girl and tragedy struck.

This is a sad way to start a blog, but perhaps it will help someone. I certainly mean no offense and do not pretend to truly understand the complete depths of sorrow for those who have lost a child they loved. I am trying to take a common emotion I have felt - loss and grief (especially in little things) - and write something to build understanding so I and/or others are more sensitive to what you may be feeling.

Pink Blossoms Lost

Tiny dresses lined with lace

Packed in boxes, lost in space

Rosy hues that never lit

Tiny ringlets, made to flit

Matching little tiny shoes

Dance and twirl with colored hues.

Fantasies inside my head --

Reason there has long since fled.

No one knows the mighty cost,

Mother’s tears, pink blossoms lost.

by Richard Bailey July 15, 2009

I should add, I do believe in a Savior - Jesus Christ - who can heal all wounds and who has provided a way for us to return to Him with our families, even if tragedy strikes. Perhaps my love for family is the reason I put this first in the blog...