Five Stages of Grief – Stage Two – Anger
Anger
Deep seeded rage
Surrounded by my enemies
Taxing me mentally
Questioning my identity
No solutions or remedies
Everyone talking of encouragement
Feels like management
Uncertain what they represent
Can’t they see the disarray?
Thriving each and every day
It’s the questions that are plaguing me
Impatience rising inside of me
Irritation and displeasure
At work or at leisure
Nothing can make me feel better
Cooking with all this pressure
Boiling over
It’s taking over
Erosion by the exposure
Totally losing my composure
Entertainment has lost all light
Lengthy days and sleepless nights
I’m that sad kind of mad
That borders on depression
Friends and family always guessing
What’s the trigger on any given day
Very careful of what they say
Losing the ability to portray
Anything but an angry man
Incapable of making a plan
Asking, no screaming out, “why?”
You didn’t have to die
I think of you, and then I cry
Shake my fist at the sky
Bloody hands from striking out
Blackout knockout
Alcohol-fueled rants and shouts
A few more beers
Lots more tears
Stains on your picture frame
My head drawn low with shame
Anger, fear, distress…there all the same
Nothing can relieve the pain
Author’s Note
This piece is the second 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.
Do you need help in dealing with grief? I’d like to offer a resource that someone recently brought to my attention. It’s worth the read.
Stages of Grieving: Take the Steps to a Resourceful Life
- When We Lost Control - October 13, 2025
- The Crumbling Space Around Me - October 10, 2025
- Sorrow - October 9, 2025

Very well done, Ralph. So expressive, emotional.