A Blessing for the Brokenhearted

A Blessing for the Brokenhearted

by Jan Richardson

There is no remedy for love but to love more.

-Henry David Thoreau

 

Let us agree
for now
that we will not say
the breaking
makes us stronger
or that it is better
to have this pain
than to have done
without this love.

Let us promise
we will not
tell ourselves
time will heal
the wound
when every day
our waking
opens it anew.

Perhaps for now
it can be enough
to simply marvel
at the mystery
of how a heart
so broken
can go on beating,
as if it were made
for precisely this—
as if it knows
the only cure for love
is more of it
as if it sees
the heart’s sole remedy
for breaking
is to love still

as if it trusts
that its own stubborn
and persistent pulse
is the rhythm
of a blessing
we cannot
begin to fathom

but will save us

nonetheless.

There are people I know who read this blog who are brokenhearted, as I write. As well as some of you whom I don’t know. Some are lovingly, and, yes, wearily, side by side caring for the precious human beings who mean the world to them. Yesterday, a dear friend’s husband died.  It is with thoughts of her and her family that I especially write today. And always, it is with thoughts of all of you who caretake the everyday moments of your lives, with all of your particular joys and sorrows.

This poem of Jan Richardson has provided solace for me several times. I simply offer it to you here today.

Take heart. You are not alone.

With love, trudy

 

7 replies
  1. gottfried
    gottfried says:

    Trudy,you are often a conduit, which transports comfort and wisdom, exactly when it’s needed; beautiful once again. Thank you G

    Reply
  2. Nancy
    Nancy says:

    What a lovely post Trudy. I had a little tear as I read that most beautiful poem…so well said.
    Thinking of all our dear hurting friends…and you my dear friend.
    Love you. xo

    Reply
  3. Diane
    Diane says:

    Hello all:
    Wow I read the poem the first read What? The second read the next day or so? Wow that is powerful but the next read it’s like are you kidding me that is soooooooo awesomely true….I guess my reading and re-reading provides more confidence in my spirit… which aches for console in so many ways….

    Reply

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