Nadir
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Written, July 4, 2024
For The Contest, This Or that 26- "Nadir" or "Acme"
Sponsor, Edward Ebeh
In September 1958, we were stationed at
the Marine Corps base at Parris Island,
South Carolina.
My friend and I were both married to Marines
and we lived in family trailers
next to each other on the base.
We were both 19 years old.
The worst nadir in my young years
that brings me still to shed sad tears;
while I was pregnant- months to wait-
September, nineteen fifty-eight.
My new friend's child was six weeks old,
and for a while, left me to hold
and watch her for an hour or two
while she ran errands that were due.
I fed and rocked her sound to sleep;
with love, my arms around her keep.
When Mom returned, she quickly went;
no signs of heartache- felt or sent.
Come morning, we woke from a scream-
and thought perhaps, Mom had a dream!
But no! Such horror took our breath!
Her baby passed- classed as crib death!
I could not comfort my dear friend;
her miracle came to an end.
Just like myself, so filled with mirth-
she'd waited for the thrill of birth.
Now, sixty-five years since that day-
this hurt within won't go away.
Though from that base, we all did part-
still feel my friend's pain in my heart.
Copyright © Sandra Haight | Year Posted 2024
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