If we were having coffee
I’d tell you about Nathan
My boy
The one I never got to love

Him who was a part of my life
I knew his personality
He’d keep me awake
Until 3am in the morning
Kicking up a storm in my belly
I’d tell you how I woke up
Feeling complete, settled
Knowing he nestled inside my belly
Growing daily so fast
Being brave for me inside his home
I’d add another cup of coffee for you
More milk?
More sugar?
Then tell you
How much I loved my boy
The one I never got to nestle on my bosom
Nathan, a name I knew was perfect
For the baby listening to my voice
I’d tell you how excited I felt
When my baby kicked for the first time
How much more I smiled when he kicked back my hand
When I placed it on my tummy
Oh my boy it is unreal
If we were having coffee
I’d tell you how my world collapsed
When doctor said ‘no heartbeat’
How my heart stopped beating
If only for a second
When my baby was no more
I’d try not to break down
Listening to the hard silence between us
As memories drown me without mercy
Then when coffee ends
We’d walk out
Knowing I have unburdened my heartache
On my coffee date with you

***

This poem is about love, loss, and the healing power of being able to share grief with another person. Using the image of a casual coffee conversation, it presents a deeply personal story of a child who was loved, anticipated, and cherished long before birth.

The coffee setting symbolizes a safe and intimate space where painful memories can be spoken aloud and where grief can be acknowledged without judgment.

A central theme of the poem is the reality of parental love before physical meeting. The child is remembered not as an abstract idea, but as a unique individual whose presence was already known through movements, routines, and shared moments during pregnancy.

The poem emphasizes that emotional bonds can form long before birth, making the loss of a child not only the loss of a future but also the loss of an already existing relationship.

The poem also reflects the devastating contrast between joy and tragedy. Memories of excitement, anticipation, and connection are placed alongside the moment everything changed.

The happiness of preparing for a child and imagining life together is interrupted by unexpected loss, highlighting how quickly hope can be replaced by heartbreak. This contrast intensifies the emotional impact of the poem and underscores the depth of what was lost.

Another important theme is the need to remember and speak about loved ones who have died. Sharing memories becomes an act of keeping the child’s existence alive and affirming the love that continues after death.

The poem suggests that grief often carries a desire not only to mourn but also to tell stories, preserve memories, and allow others to know who the child was and what they meant.

Ultimately, the poem is about carrying loss while seeking connection. It shows how speaking openly about grief can lighten its burden, even if only temporarily.

By sharing memories, emotions, and heartache with a compassionate listener, the weight of sorrow becomes a little less isolating. The poem highlights the importance of remembrance, the enduring nature of love, and the comfort that can come from being heard and understood.

If this resonated with you, you are not alone. Grief can feel isolating, but your story matters. If you feel comfortable, I invite you to share your journey, whether through a few words, a poem, or a personal experience. Your voice could be the comfort someone else is searching for.  Leave a comment below, or,

You can share your stories through griefpoetry@gmail.com