
the pain comes to me in the afternoon
as I sit in front of the tree
meant for you and me
I cannot hide from the tears inside
they well up
and finally, come forth
in my heart
and on my cheeks, they do intone
a lingering
in the midst of our tryst, as
I call upon the heavens to help me understand
the hollowness
of love’s empty nest
-JEFF FLESCH
Jeff grew up in Los Angeles, and now lives in Corvallis, Oregon, where he works in Educational Leadership. Jeff’s interests and passions include personal and professional development, developing new ways to increase access to higher education, and creating inspiration, transformation, and more equity throughout society. Visit Develop. Inspire. Transform. to read more of his thoughts and writing.

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Jeff writes of deep pain that only a heartbroken lover may know. His words take me to that tree as I reminisce about times and feelings that lasted till they were meant to be. Loving and losing is never easy to comprehend or accept. The hollowness may echo for days, months, or years, and the intensity may lessen or perhaps that’s what one wishes to believe. Nature and love often paint a harmonious picture with pain adding its sting to dilute the perfection.
Congratulations Jeff!
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Your reflections are always so wonderful to read. I’m always honored and so grateful. Thank you so much, Terveen.
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Grieving of what’s lost is like an uninvited visitor some times.
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Ah, that’s an insightful reflection, Cassa. I completely agree. Thank you so much.
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💚
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You write so beautifully Jeff, this one pulled the heart strings.
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Thank you so much, Rae. Your comment made my day.
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beautifully Strung Jeff of memories of the heart and emptying out to make space for truth and love! 💖💖
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Thank you so much for your lovely reflection, Cindy! Means so much! 💖
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You’re so welcome Jeff! 💖
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Touching and by being so honestly transparent and not hiding your raw emotions of loss and despair, you remind us, of parallel moments, empty lives, empty nests we too have known..and we feel your pain, Jeff. 🤗❤️🤗
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Oh, thank you so much for always resonating with me, dear Karima. Your resonance is special to me. 🤗❤️🤗
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That inner sadness throbs through this poem and the empty nest symbolizes to me a home that is no longer in existence, a home no longer possible or needed. Does the tree feel sadness with the nest is abandoned? I enjoyed this reflection and its melancholy tone. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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I absolutely love your reflection and your question, K. It reminds me of the mirror that we truly are of nature, and that though pain exists so does love and hope. Thank you so much, my friend. 💜
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You’re very welcome. 💜🦋
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Oh, what sweet sadness. We can feel the emotions through the words. The photo is perfect ❤
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I’m elated to know you enjoyed this poem and the pairing, Lisa. Thank you so much, my friend. ❤️
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You are so welcome! 😊
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Such melancholy captured in phrases. You made the whole place somewhat magical even through the poignancy. Just gorgeous.
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I’m so happy you enjoyed it; thank you so much for this lovely reflection and acknowledgment, Shobana.
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You are welcome, Jeff.
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A beautiful, poignant poem Jeff.
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Thank you so much, Sadje.
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You’re most welcome
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A sad poem! Good writing Jeff!
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Thank you so much, Dominic!!
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My pleasure Jeff!
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such a longing…
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Indeed. Thank you, Beth.
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Very beautiful Jeff. I can see you there and feel that pressure one gets deep behind our eyes before the sorrow releases while we weep. Lovely writing and always such a joy to read your work. Blessings, Joni
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Thank you for always resonating with me, for this lovely reflection, and for the blessings, Joni. Many blessings to you, my dear friend.
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You are so very welcome. Sending hugs my friend. ❤️🥰🙏
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🥰❤️🙏
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So full of sorrow and pain! Lovely poem, Jeff.
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Thank you so much, Dawn!
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Poetry is a gift that allows us to express emotions and experiences, connecting people through common human experiences. Jeff embodies this truth in his writing. ✨
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Very well done, Jeff!
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Very well done, Jeff! Congratulations.
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This packs a punch. I’ve sat by that same tree so many times I’ve lost count. This is surgical and precise writing–so accurate in conveying the emptiness of a shattered heart. Profound and painful poetry, and so well written. 🙂
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Very nice writing here Jeff! I can relate to this recently 🙂
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