Stricken Souls

Grief is an unwelcome companion that has intertwined itself with my life. Four friends of mine have been taken far too soon: one at the hands of her partner, one suddenly without warning, one by the relentless grip of cancer, and another by the ravages of COVID. Each loss has carved a unique wound in my heart, leaving me feeling raw and vulnerable.

I remember them with a heavy heart, and in their memory, I wrote the poem “Stricken Souls.” a tribute not just to the loss but to the love that remains, to the resilience of the heart that still dares to hope, a testament to the strength we find in the face of loss. Their passion, stories, and presence linger in the quiet moments when I wish there were a visit of laughter, a phone call, or holiday gatherings.

The weight of their absence is a constant ache, and yet, through my grief, I strive to honour their lives and find solace in the love and memories we once shared. Whenever I reflect on the fleeting nature of life, a word I cherish for its poignancy, I ride the waves of sorrow, finding solace in the shared human experience of loss and the quiet comfort that understanding brings.

Also, I wrote this poem with the many other ‘Stars’ who fell too soon and suddenly. -jjf

Stricken Souls


Aurora’s eyes stared at the night sky,
Slowly, as darkness spread its wings,
The stars began to fall and die,
An ephemeral light, then a heavy tide.

Shadows stirred, swift in their flight,
While mournful cries rose from the height.
As the voices of fallen stars held no rhythm
She listened to the darkness roaring--
A cacophony of sounds.
 
Then, a sudden silence, a solemn throng,
Uninvited souls bore the scars.
There was nothing that they could say,
For the blood of the sacrifices that day.
 
Again, the cries filled her ears: Who shall redeem us?
Who shall catch the fallen stars in this dark abyss?
She knew soon the blood of the fallen would dilute,
While humanity paid them no tribute.
 
Aurora’s eyes turned to a carved cross of hallmarks true,
Of the remembrance for all who knew.
For the captain of the host of the Lord;
With His glittering sword drawn,
ready to stop the darkness from sweeping the stars.
 
Turning her pillow, Aurora released her fright,
 Of the stars falling through the night.
 She whispered, "Soon it shall end."
 As the Sun began to spread its golden rays,
 Touching all whose hands stretched to catch it like a lifeline,
 She glanced at the horizon and saw;
 The victory had been won.




jjf'2018-2025

Thanks for reading! 😊

 

 
 

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