Five Stages of Grief – Stage Five – Acceptance
Acceptance
A strange finality
The pieces fitting, although tenuously
Looking back courageously
Episodic moments occasionally
Nothing like the used to be
Time it seems has been the key
I was blind, but now I see
Realizing what’s become of me
I’m different than I used to be
She’s gone, no more lies
No more prayers to cloudless skies
No more weepy eyes
I’m letting go of the pain
Forgiven myself for taking the blame
Realized the bout with shame
Just looking to reclaim
The man, or some of who the man I was
Quietly without applause
I need to do it, just because
Life still has a plan for me
My tears are dried, I have the key
To finding peace inside of me
The cemetery visits are fewer now
We’ve come to terms with it somehow
Don’t judge me as it’s helped me cope
Kept my neck from finding a rope
The thought of her listening gave me hope
When all that was lost, was suddenly found
Quietly, without a sound
I emerged from the darkness to face the day
Not too certain about what to say
I just let my heart do the talking
My feet took over and I went walking
I found the doors of those who cared
Poured out my soul and laughed and shared
Fell to my knees and begged forgiveness
Even though I’m not religious
And I cried and cried, and cried some more
Surrendered from the lengthy war
Emotions came from within my core
Offering a tearful thank you
Calling it some kind of breakthrough
Remembering how they helped me pull through
Now I’m going to follow through
Starting my life anew
But never going to forget you…
Author’s Note
This piece is the fifth in a series that encompasses the five stages of grief – they are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. The analysis of human experiences, especially when it comes to how we deal with emotional tragedies, leads to discoveries that are unlike anything else known to humankind. It is with the utmost reverence and respect for those who are currently experiencing any of these stages that I’m undertaking this delicate series of poems. I hope that in some small way, they help someone, anyone, to find the strength to take the next step toward healing and eventually reaching inner peace.
- When We Lost Control - October 13, 2025
- The Crumbling Space Around Me - October 10, 2025
- Sorrow - October 9, 2025
Awesome. Absolutely awesome.
Ralph, I read again, through all five stages without stopping. As one piece it is showing great insight and understanding of what the grieving one goes through and grows spiritually in the process. It is so accurate to what I went through grieving for my brother, my hero, my protector. So much was lost and the realization of what once was had left my life was devastating. I am thinking back, and believe the depression stage was the most difficult and lasted so long. Reaching that final stage of acceptance opened me to what his life brought to my own – it was then that I could cherish the memories and honor his life. Each type of relationship loss is different, and it is all unique to each person suffering, however, you covered it well, very well. It even helped me, after all these years since brother died in 2007, for there are times it hits me unexpectedly and to understand the natural healing process you took us through with the entire work is immensely healing. Old love never dies, it just goes to a quieter place
That’s a beautiful last line Phyllis…old love does not die