This poem uses imagery of sewing, fabric and clothing to express the emotional realities of the grieving process: it doesn’t get easier, it changes over time. Each experience of loss adds another trauma that we have to try to mend.
Your feedback on my poem or on my introductory thoughts is welcome.
I have sewn these seams a hundred times:
Letting out,
Taking in,
Adjusting for change,
Suturing wounds
And mending the tears
Through which too many have left,
Exposing for a moment
That which I wish to keep hidden:
Tender flesh, secret places,
A soul worn and tattered;
Safely concealed
Beneath the careful tailoring
And confident colour
Of that which I display to the world.
Today,
In the quietness of my sanctuary,
I gather my fraying finery
Close to my breast,
Protective of its frailty,
I weep,
Overwhelmed by the agony
Of an injury so profound
It may never be repaired.
And then,
Because I have no choice,
I begin to stitch,
Yet again.
©2020 Joanne Van Leerdam
WordyNerdBird 
Heart-wrenching and beautiful. I love the imagery. Another deeply poignant poem which speaks of your own feelings but will also speak to others of theirs.
Thank you. Coming from you, that is an enormous compliment.
A powerful write. This is brilliantly penned. I love the oft mended garment metaphor. I think this would also fit very well in our “Write to Cope” prompt in WE PAW Bloggers.
I will add it to the links later today.
I love this Jo.
Thank you!