Recovering from the death of my 17 year old daughter is extremely difficult. There are many times that I feel alienated and alone. I feel that in society, no one wants to truly know how I am and how much pain I am in. Because my husband is also suffering, I feel at times that I can't go to him. My daughter was literally my second half...we looked alike, had similar tastes in music, food and movies. So many things I could share with her, I can't share with anyone else.

Flood

Forty days and nights
Have turned into an eternity
The sorrow flows continuously
Running down my cheeks
Into my heart
My chest swells
Explosion is eminent
The sorrow moves up
Into my throat
I can’t swallow
Much less speak
I will remain silent
As I drown in this flood.

sjj 7/27/2006