Failure To Thrive

failure to thrive

a wee infant thin and silent,
rested placidly in a cot
his skin a pallid shade of blue;
his short stark life almost through.
alone here in this starch white room 
hold him. love him and he will bloom.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Pigeon Tart Avatar
August 15, 2017 at 12:27 PM
Wow, spectacular, and after reading the comments below, doubly so :) xomo
Cresswell Avatar
August 15, 2017 at 12:31 PM
Thank you. I still hold that little guy in my heart.
Breedt Avatar
August 15, 2017 at 3:44 AM
Wow, Speechless here. How touching how moving. Isnt this what we aspire to do as poets too? I mean ... perhaps just an embrace can change life itself. Thank you for this . Now I can thrive. Im quite piqued about you bandying about all these unfamiliar styles. Where did you learn them?sijo? Haibun? Makes me feel somewhat intimidated he he
Cresswell Avatar
August 15, 2017 at 9:05 AM
Jannie when did you change your name. Jannie when did you change your name lol. I just went crazy last night and started. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I am happy that you read this poem with gentle eyes thank you for understanding.
Ashley Avatar
August 14, 2017 at 9:40 PM
Ohh the beauty and fragility of your poem and of the infant you held. It made me catch my breath! My daughter who's now 21, has mitochondrial disease and she was diagnosed with failure to thrive at 10 years old. Thank God she made it through with prayers and talented docs in the Boston area. Glad that lovely baby had you to hold him :) Powerful poem!
Cresswell Avatar
August 14, 2017 at 9:56 PM
Thank you very much.
Fleming Avatar
August 14, 2017 at 8:23 PM
Incredibly atmospheric poem...invokes many images--a powerful write! My best regards, Patricia - Cheers! :) john
Cresswell Avatar
August 14, 2017 at 8:39 PM
He did survive he was one of my patients. I learned how important it is to touch. Failure to thrive is an actual diagnosis and not just in infants. Although it is more devastating and can lead to death in young ones. Sorry I get to babbling on thank you.
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