Sophie from our Communications Team has written a blog for Dying Matters Awareness Week about why she writes poetry.
Sophie’s blog
Grief is a journey that often feels impossible to navigate. Some days I can’t believe I am on this journey already. I was only 36 when I lost my Mam suddenly to cancer, and to some 36 might not seem that young, but for me it was. I relied on my Mam a lot. It was the biggest shock I’ve faced yet and it can still knock me off my feet four years later.
You can feel an overwhelming mix of emotions that can leave you feeling lonely, angry, raw, and vulnerable. For me, poetry has been a lifeline—an outlet where these emotions can find meaning, and where pain can be transformed into something beautiful. The notion of pen to paper is cathartic and helps process my grief, allowing me to express feelings that are too difficult to say aloud.
When I sit down to write, the words come from a place deep inside. I’m usually feeling quite frantic when I write at my best, if smoke could come off the paper it would! Each written line is like a release, a way of understanding my sorrow and confronting it. Collating my poems into a book and releasing it to the world was so scary, but I’m so glad I did it as it opened my eyes to how other people handle grief.
We may share differences due to our background, culture or religion, but when it comes to grief we all share one thing in common; pain. The reviews and comments I’ve received have shown me we all feel the same pain when someone we love dies. Grief is one of life’s only topics, where there are no rights or wrongs, we can all listen to each other’s stories and relate.
So many people have told me that my poems resonate with them, offering comfort and understanding in their own grief. Some have even said that my work helped them find their own voice in times of sorrow. The connection I’ve found through these shared experiences is incredibly moving.
Ultimately, poetry has become a way of healing, and it’s a gift to know that, in sharing my journey, I’m able to help others heal as well. It doesn’t make the pain go away, but it can make it more bearable. The best bit about it is I know my Mam would be proud. When I was young, I was such a shy child, and she was the one who encouraged me to write to deal with my anxiety. I know that she’ll be pleased I’ve gone back to poetry and turned something awful into something that helps others.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service
The Greater Manchester Bereavement Service is there for anyone who has been bereaved or affected by a death, no matter the cause or how long it’s been.
If you’re grieving and need support, friendly bereavement practitioners will listen and help find the right support for you.
- Call on 0161 983 0902. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except bank holidays)
- Email: gmicb-sal.gm.bs@nhs.net
This service also gives you the option to speak to a dedicated suicide bereavement practitioner who has a greater understanding if you have been bereaved by suicide.
More support
Greater Manchester bereavement local support.
NHS get help with grief after bereavement or loss.
Hospice UK I need support with a bereavement.
