too many echoes -

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* This is a subject dear to my heart, and I was asked very kindly to post this again in memory of all the little ones who never get a chance at life, but who are angels that live in our hearts and watch over us nonetheless. To all those who have experienced this pain and loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers. *

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too many echos

too many little voices that never got to giggle
too many stained hopes ... and sheets
wrapped around tiny bundles that came too soon

little hearts that failed to thrum
in the cold air of the world -
outside the warmth of her belly

little arms and legs that once moved inside her
pushing, testing, rolling, playing
but in the light of day

were limp and still ... and cool
and oh, so very tiny
so very, very small and blue

countless, the tears she'd shed -
a river's weep in the wake of her losses
but no more

no more
please God, no more
she loved him so, her brave Captain

and no pleasures greater
than those she shared with him in the night
he was at sea for ten months a year

so the eventide with him had always been special
their nights together, beyond priceless
but not now

no, not ever again
she could not take the chance
she wouldn't ... those moments were gone

memories, now
memories that would have to serve
memories worth her tender care

each one a treasure - a gold coin in her pocket
that she would take out and polish
when the dark months alone wore her down

when the empty nights stretched long ... and longer
when her Captain lay beside her sleeping
the cold, smooth sheets between them

an ocean now, between them
a boundless sea that he would never cross
and the echos of crying babies ringing in her ears

the echos of her hopes
the echos of their passion,
the echos of a once happy life

the echos of a true, abiding love
a love that was simply
not enough

echos ... far, far too many.






~ 2nd Place ~  in the "Sometimes Love Is Not Enough" Poetry Contest, Silent One, Judge & Sponsor.

~ 4th Place ~  in the "Sad Free Verse In 2017 Only Poetry Contest, Laura Loo, Judge & Sponsor.

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Silent One

Date: 9/14/2019 12:32:00 PM

A sad poem, even sadder for those that have gone through it.. Congratulations on your placement in the contest..

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 9/25/2019 2:23:00 AM

Many kind thanks to you, S1 - much appreciated, my friend! :o)

Constance La France

Date: 12/4/2018 2:48:00 PM

Gregory, wow, excellent writing. You have captured the pain of losing a baby. I never wanted to let go of my dead baby, they had to pull him from my arms, there is no greater pain, well this is a FAV for me ~

Gregory Richard Barden
Date: 12/5/2018 12:39:00 AM

Oh, My Dear Friend, my heart breaks for you ... that is such horror, and I can only imagine, though never really know what it's like. They are such precious little blessings, and as much family as anyone else ... if only they had been given a chance to be with us, (though their spirits will ALWAYS be). Bless you, My Friend. <3