Loss: Poems to better weather the many waves of grief

by Donna Ashworth

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF I WISH I KNEW For those cast adrift in the lonely sea of grief, this collection offers solace for when the water gets rough. Donna Ashworth's poetry reminds us that love and grief are intertwined, and life's true treasure lies in those we hold most dear. Intended to rejuvenate weary souls; these poems are a must for anyone who has lost someone. Readers are cherishing Loss - 'Emotional and beautifully written poems that reach out and speak to you.' ***** Amazon - 'I had to take multiple breaks just so I could read through my tears! It was so heartbreakingly beautiful that I just have no words!' ***** NetGalley - 'Simply WOW! Donna Ashworth's words touched my soul.' ***** NetGalley - 'Emotional and beautifully written poems that reach out and speak to you.' ***** NetGalley

Genres: Poetry, Grief, Nonfiction, Self Help, Death

192 pages, Hardcover

Published February 13, 2023

Reviews

[Beth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book to me and it is one that will stay on my bookshelf to be picked up time and time again. Sometimes a poem speaks to me and several of these by Donna Ashworth did just that. I will be using this book to gift to others when they are experiencing grief— there are some really wonderful words on these pages that describe various grief situations so accurately. Thank you, Donna Ashworth, for such a lovely book.

[cush · Rating 5 out of 5]

“They can exist side by side/grief and love.”
This collections of poems on loss felt like a warm, heavy blanket. While many of the poems are heartbreaking, reading them transported me to a space where I felt comfortable leaning into my grief, able to fully embrace its richness. I am deeply appreciative that I found this book and will be returning to it often.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of poems about loss and grief. Includes poems specific to losing a spouse, parent, child or pet. There are so many moving words in here. A comforting read.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you cry so hard you have a blocked nose and you can't seem to actually breath...... This is what this poetry collection has done to me!

I didn't think anything could beat Donna Ashworths 'Love' poetry collection but boy was I wrong! This honestly had my in tears the whole time! 😭
I had to take multiple breaks just so I could read through my tears! It was so heartbreakingly beautiful that I just have no words!
I just utterly loved this book! I can't even form any other type if sentence apart from how amazing this was!

[Briana Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this in my life right now ♥️

[Vaiva Paulauskaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh how I wish that people would not cry for when I die, instead remembering that I lived so fully, so vibrantly and unapologetically. Yet I still cry when I think about the loved ones that are no longer with me. Even though they’re in every fibre of this universe, their physical absence is cruel, leaving one cold. To capture that absence in a poetry collection so brilliant as this was a true work of art by Donna.

[GrainneS · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the last year and a half I lost my Nanny and my older brother was diagnosed with Dementia at 33. It's been tough and the grieving process is complicated because we are grieving someone who is still alive, while knowing we will have to grieve him again.

So I bought Donna Ashworth's collection of books to help me grieve, cope and heal. The poems are beautifully written and the book is very well put together. The poems deal with different types of losses using words that are embedded in compassion and healing.

The poetry really resonated with me in light of personal losses and my brother becoming ill. They words are poignant at times and are helping me to release and deal with emotions I have been largely avoiding, while also validating those feelings. I worry that the grief will never go away but I thank Donna for giving me (and everyone else who has experienced loss) permission to feel it while encouraging healing from these painful scars. I know I will be returning to this book regularly over the next few months/years.

[Preston Stell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and heartbreaking poems. For real, these poems are incredibly sad. It's lovely to have poems to express grief when you just don't have the words or energy. I used these poems in the mornings when I was looking to kick start the terrible experience of grief. These helped me to awaken to the sad reality that is the present, which is precisely where I need to be. I'm grateful for the varieties of grief expressed in this book.

[Nataliia Novyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I never had to read books because of grieving. To those who have lost their beloved ones, I’m deeply sorry. I wish I could turn back time and alter the events that occurred.
This book is an incredible collection of poems for those enduring the most challenging and painful period of their lives.

[Gail Wylde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful collection of poems.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna's words give such comfort to those who have experienced loss. I had to pause several times through tears as I read her poems. We are not alone in our grief. I highly recommend this book. ❤️

[azw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was thinking of my best friend when I read this and it ground my already broken heart into fine powder. What a beautiful collection of poems.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Helpful Read!

My daughter gifted this book today 12/25/22 and I also got it for my kindle. 85% was very informative. Losing my husband almost 2 years ago reading this puts perspective on a lot of feelings. 💜💜💜💜💜

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I have said before when I have reviewed these types of books, I wouldn't say I am a great lover of poetry, in fact I am much nearer the opposite side of the scale. Recently book by book my view has been changing. I can honestly say I truly loved some of the different types of poetry by this author, and in particular the ones in this book. Some are not necessarily poetry as I would imagine it so much but still resonated and felt they belonged in this collection.

If you are organising a funeral service some of these are ideal to be read at those. As I said earlier in my review my mum recently died and we chose a poem my daughter remembered from school called Funeral Blues by W.H. Auden. There were many in this book that I could and would have had.

THE LOSS OF A MOTHER is a really good one and I took a deep breath expecting to really tear up as my own mum died quite recently but it was THE LOSS OF A FATHER that made me the most emotional, the one that had me nodding in agreement with its words and sentiment, especially with the part where your father has already planted the answers you seek etc

GREAT GRIEF is another that I definitely agree with the sentiment & words of 'that great grief is born only of great love' A sentiment recently mentioned in connection to the death of Queen Elizabeth that echoed her words of 'Grief is the price you pay for love' which she said after the death of her own husband.

Other poems I absolutely adored/loved were
ONCE A DAY
TAKE THE LOVE
IF I EVER HAVE TO LEAVE
LAST NIGHT

I found I really identified with A MOURNING MOTHER, YOU MAY BE GONE, and THAT MOMENT
Having said that I also really liked FEATHERS, ROOTS, and THERE WILL ALWAYS BE LOSS

There was only one poem I felt negativity towards and it was DEATH IS A THIEF I really strongly disliked the reference to death being like a 'cancer' personally I would substitute 'cancer' with 'monster'

Summing up, whether you are a great lover or connoisseur of poetry or a complete novice learning to love poetry you will enjoy this book.

[travelsalongmybookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this book, along with 2 others Life and Love as a poetry collection and have reviewed them together so this review will appear duplicated for the other 2 books

LOVE, LIFE, LOSS

Today I’m reviewing a poetry collection by Donna Ashworth. Three books Love, Life and Loss. I’ve been dipping in and out of these for the last week and I have to say I’ve loved them all. Love is full of words to remind us of the love in our lives, where it can be found, that it is powerful and so so important. Life covers just that, beginnings, endings, age, all sorts really and it’s been wonderful to sit at the end of the day and read one of these, they bring a sense of peace on the hamster wheel that is Life. Loss was a harder read for me and I have not yet read all of this collection. There are poems for loss in all its forms, I have particularly found solace in ‘There will always be loss’, simple words that speak loud and at the right time are always good.

I will share a little spark of joy for me from Love:

Frosting

Love can arrive
wearing many a disguise
but never
does it look
like and expensive gift
or a romantic weekend
for two.

That’s just frosting.

You’re far more likely
to find real love
in a cup of tea
made just for you
exactly the way you like it.

This this is my love, wrapped up in a cup of tea, you know who you are.

Thank you Donna Ashworth for your words, powerful, truthful and long lasting.

[Jonelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most accurate understandings of grief that I’ve come across. Of course there are multiple types of grief expressed in these passages, but a lot of them are very universal. I feel like this poetry collection is going to be such a comfort on the dark days of grief, I’m expecting to pick this book up many times in the future!

There were certain passages that brought me to instant tears, making me feel like I was reading words from my own dad’s perspective:

from Where You Left Me:
“Don’t expect me to lie where you laid me
there is so much that I wish to do
But I promise with all of my heart
that the first place I’ll visit is you”

…
from Feathers:
“I try every day to remind you
that I never did go away
the feathers, the rainbows, the robins
are my way of trying to stay”

I enjoyed every single poem, and these poems really are a must for anyone who has lost someone

[Lisa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply WOW! Donna Ashworth’s words touched my soul. She truly knows how to artfully put words to feelings that most people don’t know how to describe. Her poems brought tears to my eyes as they brought forth memories of those I have lost. Her poetry touches every type of loss: spouse, child, mother, father. While some of the poems brought tears, it was bittersweet reading poetry about what I am feeling. So if you have experienced loss, pick up this book and read Donna Ashworth’s poems, I’m sure you will feel that some of these poems were written for you.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Black and White Publishing in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.

[Jane Riordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite beautiful. I just inhaled it. Actually, the Metro trains were delayed and I started reading it on the platform, whilst waiting, and then perturbed my fellow travellers because I had tears streaming down my face because of the way in which Donna Ashworth so accurately describes the multiple emotions of grief.

It moved me in two ways, firstly the words themselves, speaking to the grieving / from the lost and covering all the many instances in which we can face loss, and secondly because the words reassured me that what I have been feeling isn't madness, but normal, experienced by many.

We all mourn in different ways and in our own time, but there would be something within these pages which would, I am sure, help everyone.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Ashworth is such an astute observer of life, and so skilled at capturing the emotions we all feel through her words. Her new poetry book on Loss is especially poignant and touching. This book offers comfort and understanding to those who grieve. I have ear-marked many pages so that I can return to them often. What a wonderful gift you have been given, Ms Ashworth; thank-you for sharing it with us!

My thanks to Black and White Publishing who permitted me to read an ARC of the book via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of poetry but when I saw the title of this book it called to me as I am currently in a season of anticipatory grief. When I read the poems in this book I felt both seen and heard, and I was able to really dig into my emotions. Reading the poems because a way to release energy that just wouldn't come out otherwise. There are several poems that I flagged as instant favorites, finding comfort in the words.

Thank you to NetGalley and Black & White Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[hollyreadsbookss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this was beautiful. So many of these poems resonated with me.

I also want to mention that I picked up this book purely seeing that it was about grief only to find the rainbow bridge poem in it! This was a poem that I found in 2018 after losing my grandad and their dog Freddy within 2 weeks of each other from a similar illness. I can’t believe what a coincidence it was I picked up this book in the shop! It felt like a sign and that was so comforting 🥹

Thank-you Donna for the beautiful words ❤️

[the_nerd_cafephile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Netgalley, Bonnier UK Audio, and the author, for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This poignant collection of beautiful words is about all kinds of love, parental, sibling, as a child, as a partner, as a friend. Its about boundaries, its about acceptance, its about absence of love. It touched me in the way only poetry can.

The beauty of poetry as audiobooks for me is that the author reads it, the artist expressing the art which makes it an experience! A worthy and beautiful experience!

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best gift I received after my husband died unexpectedly a little over a year ago. I have read and reread many of the poems. Donna has the knack of putting just the right words together to explain how you feel. I highly recommend this book, no matter what the loss you have experienced, it makes you feel just a little bit better after reading each verse. I know I will be giving this book as a gift to many friends who are experiencing this same type of loss.

[Trish Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this to myself as a birthday gift yesterday, and I read it in one sitting tonight. It was the perfect gift! It allowed me to explore the feelings of loss and grief I experienced on my first birthday since losing my husband in December. I cried through every beautiful poem. I could hardly see the pages through my tears. But now I feel inspired and uplifted.

If you have ever lost someone you love, treat yourself to this collection of beautiful poems.

[Jessica Klose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was loaned this book, but I will need to go buy it. The style of writing is simple yet powerful. So many of these poems struck a cord and evoked intense emotion. A book that bring tears yet feels like a warm hug once the tears have dried. I would recommend it to anyone who has experienced grief from the death of a loved one.

[Sarah Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lost my mum on 1st December last year and I have been really struggling with the grief. This book is beautiful and the words in a lot of the poems have really resonated with me and what I am feeling. Donna really has a gorgeous way with words and her poems have quickly become words I read over and over again when I have a few quiet moments or need some comfort 🤍

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Book of Healing and Comfort

This book came to me at a perfect time, as I have experienced the loss of my mother and my son. I have sent copies to my siblings and Mom's hubby. Donna Ashworth has such a gentle, yet firm, way with words, that help with healing and comfort in a time of loss.

[Sara Thompson Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of poetry from Donna Ashworth will stay with me for many years to come. It is moving, kind, empathetic and so insightful; there are pieces here for almost every eventuality and type of grief. It is soothing, human and compassionate, and yet somehow aids that progression through the darker days of grief.
Thank you.

[Becky_Sourit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding poems that meet me in grief rather than trying to pull me out of it have helped me immensely. They give language to feelings too hard to articulate and reminded me that there is no “right” way to grieve. These poems have felt like quiet companionship on the hardest days. I’m grateful for how seen they have made me feel.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book. I lost my dad on 27th July and have found it quite a lonely experience. The poems in this book are a gentle reminder that I am not alone and that grief is a universal experience, as well as being deeply personal. Thank you.