Gasp of Air

GASP OF AIR

Death claims all the Victory
In this life given to me. 
It owns the very parts of Me
Which mingled with One’s chemistry 
To build a brand new entity,
Just to have him ripped from me.

Who was the enemy?
My own womb, specifically
Betrayed us all, ejecting
This tiny piece of Humanity.
Scrap to you?  Not to me.

I still ache longingly 
To nurse and cradle this piece to me.
Twenty years and constant suffering,
More Death than Life, if you ask me,
Since my three children’s lives
Were deemed by Someone “Not to Be,”
And Mother never made of me.

What rules for such a Tragedy?
No One knew, apparently.
All Baby Bumps avoided me,
As if my “inability To carry” 
An unspeakable disease,
Passed contagiously. 

Alone, I bear their Memories;
Always My Responsibility.
Now I’ve become too fatigued 
To honor them effectively;
They only Live in Memory.
I’m not too proud to beg your sympathy.
I’ll even make this plea upon my knees:

Would you be willing, 
Momentarily,
To hold MY children in YOUR hearts
So I can breathe?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Turner Avatar
April 18, 2023 at 9:41 PM
This is very sad, Jennifer.
Thomas Avatar
May 10, 2023 at 8:16 AM
Thank you for ALL THE FEEDBACK!! I can’t seem to figure these sites out. This is indeed a sad poem which was birthed in many tears.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace