Returning to work
Editor’s note: I love this poem because it expresses such raw emotion about something commonplace that most of us who’ve experienced a loss have had to face–that first day back at work. It is attributed to Ruth Davis.
Hello I’m back but I’m merely a shell
Since I last saw you I’ve been through hell,
Now that I’m here please give me some space
Don’t talk behind my back but straight to my face.
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Look into my eyes see the terrible pain                                                                        Â
And remember someday you could feel the same,
Please be patient I need plenty of time
You see I’m still hurting and not at my prime.
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My hands will shake and the tears will fallÂ
I really don’t want to be here at all,
My heart is broken I’m cold right through
Please don’t leave me; I need someone to talk to.
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Don’t be embarrassed, don’t shy away
It will be easier when we get past today,
Don’t give me a job where I’ll be all alone
I need to be with people, Â not a no-go zone.
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I’m terribly angry I just want to scream
If only this were just a bad dream,
I really can’t cope I’ll never get through
Please be kind and show me what to do.
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Don’t tell me “life goes on” because mine’s at an end
Just give me a hug and say you’ll be my friend,
Don’t box me in corners and cause me more stress
Yes your right I didn’t iron my dress.
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I don’t care how I look it’s enough that I’m here
Don’t tell me I’ve lost weight thats quite clear,
I don’t need building up I don’t want a tonic pill
Don’t ask are you better I haven’t been ill.
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I see no future don’t ask me to plan
It’s very hard knowing your son wont be a man,
Please be sincere your kindness not hollow
Then maybe I’ll have the strength to come back tomorrow
