Author's Note
I wrote this poem in December, about a month after my husband passed away, just after I had scattered his ashes into the ocean east of our home.
I initially sent it to Rattle, but three months later, they declined it. I had almost forgotten about it, but now I want to share it with the world.
.
A Grey Mourning
The morning’s foggy haze so grey
I hear the scream of hungry hawks
Raindrops gather on opaque hay
The morningś foggy haze so grey
.
Remembering that you’re away
Stolen by blackness - no one talks
The morning’s foggy haze so grey
I hear the scream of hungry hawks.
About the Creator
Henrik Hageland
A poet, a writer of feelings and hope. A Dane and inhibitant of the Earth thinking about what is to come.
A good story told or invented. Human all the way through.
Want to know more? Visit Substack , my YouTube Channel or TikTok.
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Why Black History Matters in America?
The United States of America is celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2026. I'm proud to be an American and as someone who was born here, I wouldn't imagine myself living anywhere else. This is a country where opportunities are possible. Where anyone can be successful in anything they desire to do. Equality, community, and togetherness are the backbones of what America is and should be about. However, we have an administration who wants to erase and disregard those who have made positive, meaningful impacts in our country, specifically Black figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. President Trump and his administration have been constantly complaining and fighting against what they call the "Woke agenda". They use this excuse as a distraction from other issues they refuse to address, such as the high cost of living, climate change, and inflation. That equality is dividing America, when in reality, it's bringing us together. Being woke is not tied to a specific political party. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you can still care about other people and their plights. Compassion and empathy for others isn't tied to a political party, either. We were taught as children to treat others the way we want to be treated and not judge others because they're different from us. Caring about others isn't a personal attack on your beliefs. It doesn't make you any less of a person. People who are easily offended over African American figures, past or present, or anything related to it, are grasping at straws. Current and future generations need to know who people like Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm were, especially in the classroom. Black History is part of American History. It should be recognized, not hidden or forgotten. Besides, you can't shield children from everything, just because your feelings are easily hurt.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 4 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (11)
I feel honored that you sent me this long ago and to be able to read it. Rattle really has bad taste in poets. They denied me a few times. This is wonderful, my dear friend! <3
Aww, Henrik, a poignant sad poem for your love who is gone.
This is a beautiful poem, sad and beautiful.
Your emotions shine through. Nicely penned sorry it was rejected.
I'm so sorry they rejected your poem. It was so poignant and emotional. I loved it!
I'm so sorry they rejected your poem. It was so poignant and emotional. I loved it!
Written with your heart, Henrik. Rattle is very tough, I have submitted over 10 poems to them, and nothing. At least they reply and let you know.
Gorgeous work! Sorry again 4 your loss!
Can totally feel your grief. Heartbreaking. It’s a beautiful photo too.
This poem is so heartfelt and touching. The repetition of the haze so grey fills the reader with a deep sense of feeling lost in the grief. The last line "I hear the scream of hungry hawks" give the sense that one feels as if they might be consumed and is such a powerful expression of the poets heartbreak. I felt this poem deeply and am so glad you shared it here with the world. My heart hopes that you will know sunshine again through all of that foggy haze. Deepest and most sincere condolences.
Sad words, beautifully expressed