When The World Fell Apart
When grief becomes strength and the light shows us a brighter day ahead
My world fell apart
When my partner left for death’s gates
When I lost my job
When I sat alone, left behind
.
Writing became difficult
I had only my grief in mind
I had practical worries
Every single day
.
My life turned empty and dark
When no one was there for me
When I was not allowed to be of use
When I had to be the strong one
.
I have now made my reckoning
When the ashes were scattered in the sea
When Christmas was no celebration of hearts
When New Year's fireworks never reached my ears
.
I am trying to train my senses
To perceive the world once again
To point toward other people once again
To a life filled with light and joy
.
It is hard
I fall into doing nothing
I sleep instead of being awake
But my dog pulls me into the cold
.
So I can feel the warmth afterward
So I can feel the joy afterward
So I can hear a human voice afterward
So I can feel connection afterward
.
I am heading toward brighter days
I am heading toward the scents of spring
I am heading toward new horizons
My life is slowly taking shape.
.
Authors Note:
This poem stems from a time marked by my deep grief and loss, but also by a quiet determination to find a way forward. It is an honest depiction of how it feels when the world falls apart, leaving you alone with your pain and all the practical challenges that follow. Not to forget all the economic challenges too. At the same time, it is a story of how even the smallest glimpses of warmth and life – like being pulled into the cold by my dog – can mark the beginning of a wandering toward brighter days.
The poem is written as a passage through darkness and toward light, where hope slowly takes shape. I wanted to show that even when life feels overwhelming, there is a way forward, and it is in the small actions and moments that change begins. It is a story about giving yourself permission to grieve, but also about rediscovering life – one day at a time.
I hope this poem serves as a reminder to those who are struggling that brighter days are ahead.
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.
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Comments (7)
I know it hurts. No one can feel how you’re feeling. Yet with all my heart I wish you well 🌹♦️♦️♦️♦️
Glad you're able to move forward, Positive thinking is always the way to go,
Stora kramar från Andrea i Sverige 💜
I'm glad you're moving forward. Sending you lots of love and hugs ❤️
Wishing you nothing but brighter days ahead.
"I wanted to show that even when life feels overwhelming, there is a way forward, and it is in the small actions and moments that change begins." You did just that Henrik. The anxiety caused by significant loss comes through in your poem, but also splashes of sunlight that are hard to see. You know they are there and I am sure you will do your best to use them as the way forward. It is not easy to expose your true emotions, but you have. Let that be the inspiration to others.
This is beautifully said. Keep heading toward the light.