By Kate Potter

I hold my father in my hands. Alone, he stands on the end of a seemingly unstable pier. An expanse of an American lake stretches behind him to a horizon that meets the lip of a powder-blue sky. Hands on hips, he looks down into the water as though searching for something dropped in its depths, the familiar stance dwarfed by the precipice of an infinity he can’t face. This photograph is accidentally symbolic. It is a perfect representation of a man whose previous role as a father haunted the background of our lives. “Don’t look behind you,” he used to say. “You never know what’s gaining on you.”

This photograph serves as an unintentional symbol, encapsulating the complexities of my father’s role throughout our lives. His presence often felt overshadowed by the unresolved issues that lurked just out of sight. It conveys not only his perspective but also the burden of experiences he chose to keep at bay, illustrating the challenges of navigating a father-child relationship marked by silence and unspoken fears. There was a lot my father didn’t talk about. His war experiences, his estranged son, his past marriages. This meant that, when my father died, I was left with so many unanswered questions. I grieved not just for him, but for the unknown parts of his past that would never be revealed.

Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience that can leave us feeling isolated, overwhelmed and devoid of a voice. In times of profound sorrow, turning to creative writing serves as an invaluable tool for processing emotions and fostering healing. When faced with loss, we often struggle to articulate our feelings, to fill the void that has replaced the life we have lost. This is how I felt after I lost my father. I found writing offered an avenue for expression, allowing for me to explore grief through various forms, such as poetry, short stories, or personal essays. This process helped to externalise emotions that might otherwise remain bottled up, transforming pain into a tangible medium that can be examined and understood. Through the process of putting pen to paper, I was able to transform my feelings into vivid imagery, allowing me to interact with grief in a tangible way.

One of the most profound aspects of creative writing is the formation of a fictional safe space for vulnerable emotions, a place where they can play out without restraint. To displace these emotions into another space allows for a sense of release, allowing for the honest confrontation of pain and the complexities that accompany it. Engaging in creative writing can also provide a sense of control in an otherwise chaotic emotional landscape. Grief can often feel overwhelming and unmanageable but, through writing, we can structure thoughts and feelings, providing a sense of order in the midst of turmoil.

Grief is a profoundly personal journey, often leaving individuals feeling isolated and overwhelmed. However, there is a unique strength that emerges when we openly share our experiences. The feelings expressed may resonate with others, leading to meaningful conversations and support networks that can help alleviate the loneliness often associated with grief. In my journey through loss, I discovered many people reading The Absolutes connected deeply with the narrative. They recognised emotions and descriptions echoing through their own lives, so creating an opportunity for dialogue and understanding. This connection is not just beneficial for those who share their stories but also for those who listen and engage with them. By fostering these connections, we create a supportive community that validates our experiences and nurtures healing, showing the importance of empathy and companionship in navigating the complexities of grief. Engaging with personal narratives such as those in The Absolutes can encourage others to share, providing solace and strength in times of sorrow.

Additionally, storytelling has a longstanding tradition of helping society process collective grief. By contributing personal narratives, writers can aid in the larger healing process for communities affected by shared loss, allowing for collective remembrance and tribute. Research has shown that expressive writing can have therapeutic effects, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression while enhancing emotional wellbeing. Engaging in creative writing during times of grief can facilitate a range of mental health benefits, including improved mood and increased resilience. The act of writing allows individuals to oxygenate their emotions, promoting a sense of release that can be remarkably therapeutic.

In times of grief, creative writing emerges as a powerful, cathartic outlet for expression and healing. By transforming pain into words, individuals can navigate their emotions, foster connections and find solace amidst the chaos of loss. Whether through journaling or sharing stories with a community, writing offers the opportunity for reflection and recovery, making it an invaluable practice for those journeying through grief. Embracing this creative outlet can ultimately play a significant role in the healing process, helping individuals reclaim their voices in the aftermath of loss.

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Connect with Kate Potter on Instagram: @katepotterwriter

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You can hear great new ideas, creative work and writing tips on Write On! Audio. Find us on all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Google Podcasts and Spotify. Type Pen to Print into your browser and look for our logo, or find us on Podcasters.Spotify.com.

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If you or someone you know has been affected by issues covered in our pages, please see the relevant link below for ​information, advice and support​: https://pentoprint.org/about/advice-support/