Grieving girl was given a book to cope with her dad's loss — then she wrote a poem that floored its author

Losing a parent is never easy. It is one of life’s most profound heartbreaks, a seismic shift that leaves an everlasting void. Particularly for children, this grief can often be overwhelming as they grapple with the absence of a guiding hand and unconditional love. People have different ways of coping with heartbreak. While some find solace in traveling, others retreat into the comforting embrace of books, where fictional worlds offer an escape and stories of resilience become a source of strength. Similarly, American poet and novelist Joseph Fasano—who goes by @joseph.fasano on Threads—shared how his book helped a pre-teen, Mia, take the first step toward healing after losing her father.

Fasano, the author of "The Magic Words," shared a screenshot of the message he received from Mia's mother that quickly went viral on social media. "Dear Joseph! I think you need to see this," the woman began in her text, seemingly overwhelmed with vulnerable emotions. Further, Mia's mother revealed that her 12-year-old daughter was having a hard time dealing with her father's demise. The woman then shared that she gave Mia his book to read, hoping it would help her cope with the unimaginable grief. "I gave her your book of poetry prompts for Christmas, hoping it might help her (and me, frankly) to process some things," she added in her letter.

Notably, after reading the book, Mia penned a heartfelt poem that her mother shared with Fasano. "While everyone is dancing in the mess, their hands full of sparkles, their eyes full of roses, I will do differently," the little girl began her emotional poem, describing her longing for her dad. "I will walk out softly through the cold and sit alone beside a grave and wait for you, Dad," Mia wrote. Needless to say, the poem beautifully captures the little girl's profound sadness and her unique way of coping with the loss of a loved one.

Fasano's post touched many hearts on social media, leaving people teary-eyed. For instance, @sadcat wrote, "Dear Mia, this is the 14th New Year without my dad and my 1st without my mom. She died in August. I miss my parents and find their essence in everyday things. Your poem reminded me to listen for them too." @debora.calderon.39 commented, "Mia, Love never dies. No does the soul. You may have a sense he is near. Feel comfort in that. You too Mom." Meanwhile, @earthmomdll added, "Poetry heals as we walk into our deepest feelings, emotions and pain. Your writing has given her that opportunity."

@deana_criess appreciated Mia's poetry and said, "Mia wrote a gorgeous piece. I lost my dad last year and I will be keeping this poem in my heart." @carol_on_a_mission seemingly moved by the girl's poetry shared, "This child nailed it with all the feels. Lost my dad when I was 8. That was 56 years ago." On the other hand, @mom2nadia4ever wrote, "That is just beautiful. It made me tear up a bit, but that’s the beauty of words. Thank you!" @cartasasalvatore added, "Man… that was my first cry of 2025 and I do not cry easily."

You can follow Joseph Fasano (@joseph.fasano) on Threads for more literature-related content.