Too Many Echos

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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 R 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 R 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

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 12/4/2018 6:24:00 AM

Heaven holds the hearts of those little ones. Nice write, my friend!

Gregory R Barden
Date: 12/4/2018 8:38:00 AM

Thank you kindly, Kim, and you are very correct ... they are very special angels in Heaven, with a joyous voice, all their own. Blessings. <3

Bobby May

Date: 12/4/2018 5:34:00 AM

That is beautiful!!!

Gregory R Barden
Date: 12/4/2018 5:51:00 AM

Thank you so much, Bobby - that's very kind! :-)