Original Poem: The Facade

A couple of years after Josh's death, I took a job at another firm - where no one knew of our tragedy.  I wrote about the struggle of what to say, what not to say in this post.

It is now three years later and while some know, many that I interact with on a regular basis do not.  This poem describes the problem that still exists.

The Facade

by Sue Anderson

Like a false front on a movie set

     is me to someone who does not know.

To those who do,

     they know that Josh's death defines me.

No longer the mom of four beautiful children,

     I am the mom whose youngest took his life.

Unspeakably tragic, this sacred and fragile truth

     can only be told to the trustworthy,

of whom I know many,

     but the dilemma becomes one of timing.

When?

How?

There are no good answers

     so I remain silent,

which means those who think they know me,

     really know nothing at all.