This poem was given to me by the Chaplain at orientation for the hospital volunteering. I really liked it and it speaks to my philosophy on loss:
Dont' tell me you understand.
Don't tell me that you know.
Don't tell me that I will survive,
That I will surely grow.
Don't tell me this is a test,
That I am surely blessed,
That I am chosen for this task,
Apart from all the rest.
Don't come at me with answers,
That can only come from me.
Don't tell me my grief will pass,
That I will soon be free.
Don't stand in pious judgement,
Of the bounds I must unite,
Don't tell me how to suffer,
And don't tell me how to cry.
My life is filled with selfishness,
My pain is all I see,
But I need you, I need your love,
Unconditionally.
Accept me in my ups and downs,
I need someone to share,
Just hold my hand and let me cry,
And say "My friend, I care."
About Me
- Pamela Garfield
- I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I provide therapy for families, individual adults and children of many different ages in my private office in Palo Alto, CA. In the past, I've worked with inner city youth in school settings and in community based organizations. Also, I led different group programs including one that brought families to camp together for a weekend. I've counseled individual adults and helped them with parenting issues, depression, bipolar, grief, loss, illness, social stigmas connected to HIV/AIDS, and more. In addition, I lived in NYC during and after 9/11/01 and counseled families directly affected by that event. Finally, I worked with adolescents in two different residential settings: a level 11 group home and level 14+ with clients categorized as severely emotionally disturbed (SED). Currently, I lead different creative therapy groups part-time at an outpatient day treatment program for adults with mental illness. And, I maintain my private practice located at 445 Sherman Ave, Suite M, Palo Alto, CA 94306. (650) 269-7243. www.pamelagarfieldlcsw.com
2 comments:
Pam,
What a great poem. I just got home from visiting with my Dad who is dying of cancer. He bought a winter coat and complained about the cost of strawberries!!
What is inspiring to me about this poem is that it says two important things to me. Firstly, non-judgment; I'm waiting for non-judgment day and try to practice this in my daily living, secondly how important it is to love someone unconditionally. Thank you for sharing this poem.
It's a very good poem. I've found the poem very soothing for me at this point of my life.
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