Sandra Haight Poet Couplet

Notes About The Poem

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.

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Nadir

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.

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Beata Agustin August 5, 2024 at 3:00 AM Congrats. Thanks for sharing this. God bless you.

Edward Ibeh July 28, 2024 at 4:30 PM Moving and deeply personal write, Sandra. Thanks for sharing this harrowing story. Congratulations on your win in my contest!

Crystol Woods July 28, 2024 at 8:30 AM Written so beautifully in rhyme... having experienced this horror with my own newborn son I know how deviated this can be. Ty for sharing! Xo

thriveni c mysore July 27, 2024 at 9:08 PM congratulations on the win dear poet.

Beryl Edmonds July 7, 2024 at 2:41 AM A heartbreaking read, so sad for your friend and you too… Beryl

Kim Rodrigues July 5, 2024 at 4:10 PM So sorry for your loss, a friend’s loss, but still you held her sweet baby in your arms. Tragedy is never forgotten. hugs…

Daniel Henry Rodgers July 5, 2024 at 5:56 AM Dear Sandra, Wow, I was truly moved! You are such a great storyteller who integrates emotional heartbreak and tragedy effectively. What a great tribute! – Blessings, My Friend, Daniel