Unimportant as it may seem, a split second can change our lives in ways we can never imagine. So today, write about the basic unit of time, seconds. Reflect on those few seconds when a loved one was in a life-and-death situation. …
So the assignment today was pretty tough for me. I knew immediately which second to write about. A second from my existence that rocked my world on impact and will continue skewing my reality forever. But writing about it wasn’t easy. And my poetry is particularly weak on it. I think in time I can make it strong, but I don’t have the time or mental capacity to deal with it more today. So consider it a draft. I want to get a better flow and rhythm in the future, but would rather post the draft then ignore the assignment.
Twenty years and two days ago my world changed forever
Thanks to a decision
Made in a second.
You were failing. You didn’t kick,
And there were moments left
In the stress test.
I told the nurse to turn me. That always made you move.
You kicked. I grinned. We passed!
Micro-seconds to spare.
I didn’t realize that my split-second choice
Was the harbinger of
Death.
Since you passed the test they wouldn’t induce
Though it was a week past your due time.
Rest in peace, beloved son of mine.
How I wish I could turn back time.
Not my fault. I know. Still, I’ll always regret
The decision that I made in the final
Second of that test.
- This post is part of the Poetry 101 course from the WordPress Blogging University.
19 responses to “Seconds – Poetry Day 4”
😢
I’m so sorry for your great loss, Chrissie.
Hugs.
Aww, thanks, Ellie.
Powerful. Sorry you lost your son.
Thanks
Easy to see why this was a tough one! I can’t imagine… 🙁
Hard to write and to bare for all to see.
I know I don’t know you, but…hugs…
Awww, thank you. 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
Oh my, no wonder you found it tough to write! I’m sorry for your loss.
No good suggestions, but I like the fourth stanza with the lines going from long to shorter to one word. That’s quite powerful.
Thanks for that feedback. Much appreciated.
I’m with you Chrissie, the loss of a child never leaves us and even though it has been many years now, it still hurts.
Your poem was beautiful and as I read it, the cold chills of memory crept along my skin. I particularly liked the lines,
‘Rest in peace, beloved son of mine.
How I wish I could turn back time’.
Big hugs xxoo
Thanks
Your words hit close to home and bring up emotions I had long since forgotten. My son lived – so I don’t pretend to know the depth of your pain or loss. I’m so sorry.
Thanks.
That was poignant and haunting — beautifully written, even if you aren’t satisfied with it. How difficult it must be to convey that moment! My son died without my knowledge, since I was “under” in the moments he was born and slipped away. These things mark our souls and make us appreciate our other children all the more.
Thank you and so true on the appreciation aspect. I still marvel at the other three-just watching them breathe. I am so thankful they made it. So sorry you had to live through that nightmare, too. And thank you for being there for me.
Haunting and poignant and so so heart-felt. I am so very sorry for your loss, Chrissie.
Thanks, Krista.
So poignant, Chrissie! I am sorry for your loss and all the implications of the consequences. Thank you for sharing! Many hugs and much love!
Thank you. Hugs and love to you as well.