Poetic Post #12: If Ever You've No More To Give

A poem for anyone in need of some words of support

Happy Tuesday, everyone. The last handful of poems in this series has been decidedly silly, so I thought it time to post something a little different.

For many people, this time of year is the absolute worst.

Here in the UK, January and February tend to be miserable months weather-wise: grey, wet, windy and cold.

The tail end of winter is, quite frankly, depressing.

The beautiful hues of autumn are long-gone, as is the post-summer novelty of calming cosiness – the flicker of a fire, the falling of leaves, the comforting warmth of jumpers rediscovered, akin to an embrace from an old friend – and the jollity of Christmas is well-and-truly over.

But nothing lasts forever, and better times are rarely far away. The shortest day of winter is already behind us. Brighter days beckon. It’s simply a period to endure, and to wave goodbye to gratefully come the joys of spring.

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I wrote this poem around this time last year, in the midst of the maelstrom that’s fresh parenthood – another period in which survival is the primary goal. My partner was having a particularly tough time, and I was doing my best to support her whilst trying to conceal the fact that I was struggling too. As much as anything, I wrote it as a reminder to myself that tough times always pass.

‘Everything’s a phase’ is a phrase that often leaves the lips of fellow parents – particularly more experienced ones – when they attempt to provide support and solidarity. It’s one that I’ve found helpful to remember during the more challenging moments of parenthood – and it applies equally well to life generally.

The power of words never ceases to amaze me. It really does provide precious hope when hope is most needed, and words alone can be enough to spur someone forward, to help them continue, when they feel that all is lost.

‘You won’t always feel this way’ and ’This too shall pass’ are some of the most helpful words I’ve heard when I’ve been at my lowest, and they’re what I turn to when trying to comfort those close to me.

So, if you’re feeling low in these dark depths of winter, I hope the words in this poem offer you some comfort, and that, soon, the clouds above you move on.

Because, eventually, they always do.

(Btw, you can read about the context for these poems here.)

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As always, thanks for reading. I really do appreciate every like, comment and restack, so if enjoyed this poem, and enjoy my Substack generally, I’d be really grateful if you’d share it :)

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