Sandra Haight Poet Quatern

Notes About The Poem

2nd Place
Contest: Hero -  November 28, 2017
Sponsor: Silent One

1st Place 
Contest: To Honor My Hero -  August 18, 2022
Sponsor: Anoucheka Gangabissoon

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True Story.  My husband was a firefighter and during his first 
year on the job in 1960, he jumped into the park pond to 
find and rescue the little 8-year-old boy underwater.
Although he continued CPR on the way to the hospital, the
child did not survive.  He performed many rescues during the 
27 years he served, but this one still haunts him to this day.

Hero: The Pond

Beside the pond, they stand in fright
of what the neighbors brought to light,
in fear of what they now will find;
dark woeful thoughts in every mind.

Fire engine speeds to the park site.
Beside the pond, they stand in fright.
Without a thought, he dives right in
the murky depth- search to begin.

Then up he comes- small boy in arms.
At first, this calms their tense alarms.
Beside the pond, they stand in fright-
his lifeless body- now in sight.

He pumps his heart with hopeful hands;
gives air by mouth, to breathe demands!
He tried his best to win this fight-
beside the pond, they stand in fright.

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Gregory Richard Barden December 9, 2017 at 5:03 PM Congratulations on your win, Sandra - well-done, my friend! :-) <3

Eve Roper November 28, 2017 at 3:44 PM Fantastic write, Sandra, ... congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve ~`*

Probir Gupta November 28, 2017 at 11:40 AM Indeed a hero ... Exemplary act ... Congratulations on your nice win ..

Silent One November 28, 2017 at 9:24 AM Sometimes heroes cant save everyone.. sad reality of life.. but still a hero.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..

John Michaels November 25, 2017 at 8:47 AM A very sad tale, Sandra - all the more poignant for its origins in reality. Sensitively composed! Good luck with the contest. Regards, John. Sandra Haight November 28, 2017 at 7:26 AM Thank you, John, for your visit and uplifting comments. Sandra

John Gondolf November 22, 2017 at 9:14 AM A very well written Quatern, Sandra. So many times our true heros are taken for granted; your husband is to be commended for his 27 years of service to your community. John Sandra Haight November 28, 2017 at 7:25 AM Thank you very much, John, for your very positive and supportive comments. Much appreciated. Sandra

Janis Medders Tobechi November 21, 2017 at 1:43 PM This is a very well written, moving poem. Accolades to your husband, a true American hero. Sandra Haight November 22, 2017 at 7:41 AM Thank you very much, Janis, for your positive comment about my poem and my husband. He put himself in danger many times trying to save lives as a firefighter and did indeed save many, but this was the only child that didn't make it. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs, Sandra

Joanna Daniel November 21, 2017 at 7:34 AM A great job your husband has done, Sandra, though this one was lost...but not his fault, he is a hero by all rights:) Sandra Haight November 22, 2017 at 7:42 AM Thanks, Jo, for your uplifting and supportive comment. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving Day! Hugs, Sandra

Winged Warrior November 20, 2017 at 9:14 PM A beautiful depiction of your husband's heroism Sandra...unfortunately of his many heroic battles...some were lost...god bless you and your husband...and best of luck my friend...^WW^ Sandra Haight November 22, 2017 at 7:48 AM Yes, ^WW^, he always tried his best. Thank you for your visit and supportive comments. Sandra