Life's Relentless Cry
Flight, Loss, and the Courage to Hope
The bird took flight from the ground
The sky was its goal
Or was it merely the means of escape
from its struggle for food in a harsh time.
What does it have to lose
but life’s relentless cry.
.
My gaze searches the unknown
can I too simply flee?
Find a path toward life
tones and colours at play
What do I have to lose
but life’s relentless cry.
.
In a void of humanity
caught between two times
the happiness that faded and died
the happiness waiting tomorrow
What do I have to gain
but life’s relentless cry.
.
Yesterday will not return
Today can do nothing
but hope that tomorrow will dawn
I can change my world
What happiness is mine
but life’s relentless cry.
.
Stay by my side
Be presence and warmth
Be love and sorrow
bound in my strong bond
What will my future bring
but life’s relentless cry.
.
Authors Note:
Life’s Relentless Cry was written from a place where escape and endurance meet.
The image of the bird in flight is not one of freedom alone, but of necessity — a movement driven as much by hunger and fear as by instinct and hope. In that sense, the bird is no metaphor to be solved, but a mirror held up to human life.
The poem moves between past, present, and future, acknowledging that what has been lost cannot be reclaimed, and that what lies ahead is still uncertain. Yet within this tension lies a quiet insistence: that change is possible, not through denial of pain, but through the courage to remain present.
The recurring line, “life’s relentless cry,” reflects the inescapable call of existence itself — grief, longing, love, and survival woven together. It is not something to overcome, but something to live with.
This poem does not seek answers.
It listens.
About the Creator
Henrik Hageland
A poet, a writer of feelings and hope. A Dane and inhibitant of the Earth thinking about what is to come.
A good story told or invented. Human all the way through.
Want to know more? Visit Substack , my YouTube Channel or TikTok.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
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Comments (2)
The refrain strikes every chord you are looking for. Beautifully written, and very moving. 👏👏🫶
This is beautiful, deep and quietly inspirational. I love the flow and the refrain. It's something we can all identify with and I know I can personally. Well done on writing such a stunning piece of poetry. Hope you're doing well or as well as you can be.