Unresolved grief and perception of loss result in impaired relationships and increased psychopathology. Grief research and therapy support a beneficial response to emotional expression of grief in the context of search for meaning (Neimeyer's “mean-making”). Further, there are multiple forms of expression of grief be it verbal, artistic, or written. This paper addresses poetry therapy as an effective expression of grief.

Poetry therapy with analysis.

Too often we take life and friendship for granted. Frequently, it is only with death that our thoughts crystallize and the meanings of relationships become clear, powerful, and at times overwhelming. It is then that we truly understand our own mortality and our responsibilities to others. Poetry affords a therapeutic means for the expression of grief while serving as a monument to those now lost, but always remembered.

Too often it is difficult to express one's emotions and the meaning of loss during the grief process. All forms of expression should be afforded the bereaved. Poetry therapy is a unique means wherein special feelings and meanings can be effectively expressed and result in a therapeutic grief process.