Poetry by Richard Perry: A Hiding Place

A Hiding Place

As time passes folks tend to think that you are doing fine.

They cannot see the pain within that’s always on your mind.

You try to hide your tears and put on a happy face;

But you hold the pain within your secret hiding place.

Still, life continues, you can’t quit, you have to carry on,

Doing your very best to honor your loved one now gone;

There is no code of conduct for how to live each day;

So, you do your best and ask God’s help every time you pray.

Your days won’t all be perfect; you will still shed some tears;

In moments when your heart is consumed by needless fears.

But as time passes you will learn you’re stronger than you thought;

And, you’ll live on, with courage, through each battle to be fought.

The pains will never all be gone, and there’s no pill to take;

So, in your prayers, at day’s end, ask for courage when you wake;

And in the morning when you rise to start a brand new day;

God will bless you with the strength to face what comes your way;

For He is always by your side and your loved one is there too.

Providing all the love you’ll need to see each new day through.

So, if times come when you find tears running down your face;

Think of all the joys you’ve known, and you’ll need no hiding place.


Richard Perry, wearing glasses and a striped navy sweater, smiles at a diner table in front of a black-and-white food mural and a wall of photos.

Pictured: Richard Perry at Half & Half Restaurant in Reading. Photo by Taylor Gregory.

Our creative community is strongest when many voices are heard. If you feel inspired, please consider submitting your own poetry, short fiction, essays, or personal reflections for publication on The Reading Observer by emailing TGregory@TheReadingObserver.com. We look forward to reading your work!

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