WHAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN ACCORDING TO A PERSON WHO NEVER EXISTED

WOW...that is powerful...All unborn children will be proud that someone spoke for them. That should be used on posters and ads against abortions...

WOW that was pretty deep! short but very to the point--everyone needs to read this!

Oh my. You may not get many comments on this one ... but you have drawn a portrait of truth regarding the little feet that will never wear those little crocheted booties.

I know many in Gather disagree with us, but I also think that most understand that our hearts really do break over our belief ... & they let us mourn.

I really think there is an amazing group here in Gather.

Yea that poem is very strong and realy hit home.good poem thanks

Excellent. A true portrayal. Children rarely have a voice... thank you for being one.

that was great

thanks for sharing

Thank you for using Gather Broadcast where there is an open line of communication for all and you're more than a connection.

She said, "God forgive me; I wish I knew another way."

Poignant indeed; a glorious voice for all the babies who never had a chance to speak. Thank you.

oh yes

Words like this are heartbreaking. I read something similar years ago. All I can do is cry for these little children.
Thanks for posting this...though some will disagree....it needs to be said..again and again. 10 would that i could give more

WOW That was powerful Robert bravo

Strong, Robert. Strong and sensitive.

Thanks.

Hi Shirley, I didn't write this politically, only spiritually. There's nothing to disagree with here, it's just the voice of an unborn child, given by the Lord for which the Lord would have me share.

Thanks for reading..........

truer words have rarely been unspoken.

hello, you have created magical world of emotion. really a keeper

This is so tragic and true. I often wonder, now that we have slaughtered more than 30 million unborn people, who would they have been? What would their contributions be? Poets, scientists, doctors, artists, inventors, lovers, leaders, peacemakers...maybe someone who was destined to discover a cure for cancer. We will never know because they will never live.
The good news for the misled and repentant abortionists and mothers is that God forgives. Always. Unconditionally.
Thank you for speaking for the unborn.

wow, very moving. well done

Wow, Robert. Way to go. Thanks for being a voice for the Lord and for these "unwanted" children.

This was indeed a moving piece and I am very touched by it.

Unfortunately not all women who abort have a choice.
Not all women who abort have anything to offer.
Not all women who abort have a home or even a roof over their heads.
Not all women who abort know how to love.
Not all women who abort are loved.
Not all women who abort know the Lord.
Not all women who abort know any other way.
Not all women who abort can think or comprehend what they are doing/have done/ will do.
Not all women...

and, Esther, I am not here to judge any of them women and I would be one of the first to offer a hand, friendship, and God's Word if they sought it. I had a former lover listed among them ranks and a sister-in-law also. So, I know.

Robert, my comment wasn't meant politically either. I just think it needs to be said. The little babies need to be heard. they are alive to God who created them

Wow Robert. Look how wrong I was.
That was a good point that it isn't political. Just a voice for one that isn't.
And so many are adding their voice to yours.

Excellent expression of the sentiments of millions of good people the world over, and well presented.

Very raw and truthful, Robert.

This is very powerful and well written, Robert.

Well done.

I think this is the hardest decision a woman ever has to make, I was in that position 3 years ago and chose to have the baby, and am glad I did (most of the time), but I also know that if I had chosen the other way it would have it would have been because I didn't know if I wanted to stay with this man I had been dating for only 3 months and I was at that time making $18,000 a year and about to lose both my jobs, what kind of life would that have been for a child?

I do want to thank you for stating an opinion that could have been political without making it political - This is a hot button topic right now - but I believe that everyone has to follow their own moral compass on this one and try not judge, only to help and heal.

as always, well said robert

Awesome poem
I refused to abort my son ( and it was possible even then ) he will be 39 this year

So poignant, I cried. Being a single mother who made her own choice, kept and fought for my children, I am so sad that many will not ever know what they did not get to share, the miracle of creation, and the joy of helping to form the personality of another human being. Loss. In the simplest of terms, moves the heart mightily.Thanks for sharing. Ellen B

Life truly is a miracle, and that has been captured here beautifully. No one should ever take this life for granted, but sadly many do just that.

well said

Powerful and inspiring. I lost two babies to tubal pregnancies though both times I was bleeding internally already and the doctors took the baby out to save my life or I would have died and they would have died too. It still doesn't make the loss any easier and this cut right through me. I was not expecting it and now my grieving begins again!

:)

Kimber, I came back here to my poem to respond to you personally. I see Sandy beat me to it and her first sentence is exactly what I wanted to say. The circumstances you described were not of your doing although i suspect the pain is just as great or even greater. God bless you baby-girl. Your friend, - Robert

Very well written !!

Thanks for sharing this.

Peace --

Dear Robert,
To all of you who have had this experience yourselves or know others who have, my heart goes out to you.
I know personally how it remains a vivid part of life forever. I was prolapsed and became pregnant. The doctor said I would die and so would the baby if I tried to carry it. She gave me pills to chemically abort the baby. I already had five babies and if I was to die, no one to care for them as a whole unit. I have mourned the loss of my child every day since. I was 27 at that time. I am now 61. My baby is in heaven and I will see the child one day. What a reunion.
The child will never look at me and say,"Why didn't you want me?" He or she will know the love I've carried all of these years along with the sorrow.
Even if you have a houseful of children, there is always room for one more.
Thank you Robert for speaking for them all, a small nation in themselves.

Barbara S.

My goodness....lovely and disturbing at the same time.

sigh

well written! so very sad

Powerful words.. touching and inspiring thought and giving everlasting existence!

So true.

I knew before I read the last stanza what this was Robert. I could only wonder whythis came about.

You are a super writer and,,, this,,, proves it,,,

Whether long or short, I've always found your writing has something to say,,,

You are Blessed beyond words,,, STOP looking for that something you feel you've missed,,, I know you better than you think,,,
always remember to pay attention to everything,,,everything,,, God points the way,,, do not step behind yourself ever,,, love, Marie,

your view on women who have abortions is narrow-minded and judgmental to say the least. If a woman is raped, has an ectopic pregnancy, or is told her future child will have a low life expentency and she decides to abort it is is a free choice, and is nto selfish in any way as you make it seem. I understand you are speaking for certain situations, but please understand this topic should be treated with a more open heart in advance. My feelings aside, I feel you wrote a powerful poem

So much for women.... I like d the poem

Sigriet, you obviosly didn't read my comment above (the one right after Esther). Also, every time I write it is with an open heart. Today I wrote for the babies but at other times I have written for women in distress. And though I am far, far, far from perfect, I still consciemtiously strive to leave judgement to God. Many do not. Thank you for your comment.

I've really got a thing about men who write anti- choice stuff.

It is interesting to read the few "pro-choice" comments left for this poem. It is also interesting to see that a simple statement of truth in the form of a poem about a never-born baby can be construed as anti-choice... only the hardest of hearts could take such a view, especially considering the mother and her choice were never mentioned in the poem.
The truth about the "pro-choice" movement is that they only consider it a "choice" if the mother "chooses" abortion... somehow, anything else, whether it was her decision or not, was forced upon her.
How arrogant and selfish it is to ignore a heartfelt sentiment simply because the emotion behind it isn't your own! How narrow-minded it is to take offense because the thoughts expressed do not support your political opinion. How ridiculous it is to suggest the author must write a poem from your viewpoint just because you don't agree with his. How sexist of you to suggest that his opinion is invalid because he is a man.
Thank you pro-abortion commenters for displaying your true colors, shades of intolerance and hatred. I have always suspected as much of you, and you are doing a great job of confirming my suspicions.

Robert, thank you for writing such a beautiful poem. Your words are priceless! ^_^

Hey my little brother I for one think you did a super job on this one. The child does need a voice. No you are not being judgmental and some times ( few times ) there is a major medical need for this, but it is a choice now, who'd have ever thought that they'd be choosing whether to have a child or not. I for one do not think that this is what God intended, but always remember all, that God is a forgiving God and that He loves us unconditionally. We have no right to judge this is true but we are allowed to give our opinion of the morals this world has or doesn't have. My heart goes out to those who felt there was no other way out, but we have to also have a heart for the child who will never have a chance.

GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN!

No Lori, sorry, I write what the Lord puts on my heart not what Lori puts on my heart. You write about them themes and if you're talented enough and your message comes through i will commend you. Oh, one time I did write on the starving children theme and an aid organizer asked to use my words. May God bless you.

I wonder if,...ah, never mind.

This is like when you're sitting in church and the preacher preaches a sermon about something I'm feeling guilty about and it appears that he is preaching directly at me....when in reality he is NOT. He has NO earthly idea what I've done or what is going through my mind. He is ONLY preaching what God has laid on his heart to preach and because I have guilt, then I feel the pain of my guilt and NOT his words.

These words ring true. There is NOthing negative or wrong about ANYthing in your poem. People who preach politcal correctness just need a cop-out for the guilt they are feeling - whether selfguilt or guilt for someone elses mistakes. We can only be responsible for our own mistakes and NOone elses.

Each of us has a choice in EVERYthing we do. Sometimes our choices have prices on them, which means we pay dearly for that choice.

Here is the BIG thing that each of us NEEDS to remember. God knows your heart. He knows the reason for the choices you make. God loves and forgives. Seek His forgiveness and you will receive.

Robert, this is truly a poem that came straight from God to your heart. You should not apologize to ANYone for anything that was laid on your heart to say. If you hit a nerve with someone it is ONLY because they have guilt for a choice they made at some point in their life and not because of anything you have said or done.

People need to read ALL comments before posting their own. Get with the program and get off the messenger's back.

Amen Elise, folks, listen to this Georgia girl. She's right. I wrote what I wrote and my poem is what it is. Thank you all for reading it. For each of you, may God bless you richly.

The poem above doesn't address specific situations and hardly not all situations, in fact the poem above is from a single POV, that of the aborted child. I comforted a former lover as she had an abortion after being raped. And I was there for a sister-in-law when she had an abortion before she was even 17. My poem is not about them either but I still love them.

Censorship? You're the one that was telling me what to write. And this poem isn't political nor is it a discussion. It was a tribute children left behind. No more. If you want to hear a little of the other view write it yourself or go find my "Return to Desolation Row", it's on here some place. Lori, there's other pro-choice comments on here, they just didn't border on the ridiculous.

This is in regard to Elise who has been so rude as to say that because those of us who believe in pro choice have a guilty conscience. Do you know me?? No I don't think so and resent the fact that you would think yourself holier than thou because YOU do not think as we do. I have no guilty conscience even if I ever had had an abortion. It is my body and I am grown and can do with my body what I damn well please and not you or any government is going to tell me anything different. Don't get me started on this issue because you and others on your high horse will NOT like what I have to say.

And yes, I am a Christian and a Catholic. Hows that for freedom of speech and pro choice??

Oh Robert, I did say your poem was great didn't I?? Or was I just imagining it??

Very poignant, Robert.

Lori, nowhere in this entire artcile/poem have I stated myself to be pro-choice or pro-life. You have comments deleted because you are rude, jump to hypocritical conclusions and have no civility for proper debate. And being a Christian, doesn't make me perfect or even close or any better than you. It makes me forgiven.

These words above, were penned by you; ridiculously telling me I need to write from your POV. No dear, I don't: " Maybe you could write a poem about all the abused children that werent wanted but had to be born...or maybe you could write a poem about the children who attained life only to die because they werent wanted or the children that are starving because they dont have enough to eat...or the children whose mother was raped but had to give birth and mentally and physically abuses the child. "

Well written. An interesting concept that will speak to a certain audience and alienate another. I'm anti-abortion, yet pro-choice. I find this to be the artistic development of your thoughts and that's really all you can do. Advocate your own thoughts. In poetry, in fact in all artistic and creative endeavors, one must believe in their product for it to have any value. A pro-choice poem by you would likely . . . umm . . . suck (it's an industry term)! So, agree or not, I think you did it well.

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~

Lori does have a point Robert. There certainly aren't shortages on those types of people who feel that they have to have an unwanted child only to physically and psychologically abuse them or sexually abuse them, or don't have money to clothe or feed the children. What then are all of the Christian do gooders of the world going to do? Take into their homes one of these unwanted children?? I doubt it otherwise there wouldn't be all of the problems with people out there...

I'm pro-Choice
Like my dearly departed mother used to say
"NO UTERUS, NO OPINION"

and just so you know,
changing it from "Anti-abortion"
does not make it any more believable!

More Comment Graphics

Correction: I did not say that people who choose to be pro-choice have guilty consciences. Perhaps you misunderstood my words or my meaning. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough. However, I do not feel the need to defend myself.

This is a beautiful poem, written by a beautiful man, who happens to be my beautiful friend. (hope you don't mind the "beautiful" word, Robert)

I am simply saying, """Don't shoot the messenger."""

This is a heartfelt poem - which means it came from his heart. He didn't have to post it for the world to see, but he did.

Let me tell all of you a little something about sharing your heart....
When someone shares their heart with you they are trusting you to NOT ridicule it and hurt it. Hearts are fragile and should be treated as such.

Elise is NOT a rude person. I am the most NONrude person that you will ever meet - and I do NOT tolerate rude behaviour. I'm nice. I'm friendly. I'm compassionate. I'm loyal. And if anyone attacks you, you would want me on your side.

There should have been no negative responses to this man sharing what was on his heart - especially from his "friends."

I'm a squishy supporter of a woman's right to choose but never a strong one. That poem says a lot and should make many people stop and think before giving a blank check to abortion supporters. A 10 for saying so much in such a somber but powerful way....

This was a mpoem not a political debate but since everyone is hell-bent on arguing, I, as the author, will tell you all my stand. First, I have physically been witness to two abortions; one was my ex-girlfriend who was raped and she needed my support regardless of what side of the fence I stood on. I stood by her through the whole mess, from when she became a rape victim to the abortion to her later regret and to her somewhat coming to terms with what had happened. I think she leaned on me because I would comfort her and support her without telling her what to do. She relied on my compassion and got it. The second abortion was my ex-s-i-l who got pregnant before she was 17 and chose to abort it. Again, when relied upon I stood by, I comforted and consoled. In both of these cases, from a medical perspective both children could have lived and experienced what my poem talked about either in the presence of their mothers or as adopted children. Was my feelings towards either of these ladies diminished because of the choice they made; NO. Were the choices they made my personal preference; NO. Was it my place to tell either of them what to do; NO. Do I still remain pro-life; Yes, i do.

The children I envisioned when writing this poem were the ones aborted as a means of birth control. PEOPLE, ABORTION IS NOT A FORM OF BIRTH CONTROL. Abstinence is, using a condom is, taking the pill is etc.

I also do not like the difference in semantics between the two groups. I think the opposite of pro-life is 'pro-death' but to be politically correct pro-choice is used in favor of pro-death to soften the stigma of abortion by taking 'death' out of the dialogue so it is not equated with killing someone. But that is a wrong notion. In an abortion, the baby 'dies'. Like I've said, I have been there twice.

Lori, stranger, you need not question how Jesus sees me, you need to question how he sees you. I'll question how he sees me. He sees me as a repentive sinner washed in his blood and promise. He sees me when I sin. He also sees the me that have helped several people off the streets and back into productive lives. He remembers the night I missed my mom's passing because I had to get a girl to an out of state rehab within 24 hours or she was going to lose her spot. And he remembers the two separate nights that I held someone's hands after they decided that aborting their child was the only way to go. He remembers I cried with them and he remembers I cried for them. I have fought on the front lines of poverty, homelessness, addiction and alcoholism. I have reunited parents with their children and sibling with sibling. It is my personal experiences and the Word of God that prompts me to write what I do. Not someone who thinks I should write something for their POV because they would rather argue than write something for themselves.

I thank each and EVERY one of you who have taken the time to respond and my heart is glad that most of the respondents recognized I wasn't speaking/writing against anyone; I was simply writing FOR the children. For the record: Only two comments were deleted from this. Both of them belonged to Lori and both were removed because I found her to have zero, ZERO, compassion for the lives aborted.

If you are someone considering abortion for any reason OTHER than as an efficient means of birth control, you may contact me. I will not try to change your mind but I will lend an ear and I will lend you some compassion. If, however, you are planning an abortion as an efficient means of birth control, then take it some place else and praise the Lord that your mama made a different decision then you are about to.

God Bless.

Oh, Ms. Elise is NOT a rude person; I will second that.

Robert - Lori is a friend of mine. She is struggling to understand how self-proclaimed "Christians" can behave decidedly un-Christian. And, I don't mean you per se. I think you are simply caught in a crossfire as she battles with others here, and possibly, IRL.

Sometimes, Robert, things are not as they seem.

Your poem, though, is sad and poignant. I am pro-life, and I am a woman. I see no "choice" in murdering a child. I'll not back down from this position, ever.

Lori and others should understand that if Christians could ACT like Christ all the time, we wouldn't need Christ. There is no physical difference between a Christian and non-Christian except, through our faith we can go to God and receive forgiveness but we do so on a dialy basis because we are human and we sin. With that said, my writing this poem or my struggles to help others as I have attested to in these comments are NOT 'unchristian'.

My aguing is unchristian. My exasperation with Lori is unchristian but this poem and my stance on this issue are both very much Christian.

so true so true
wonderful poem there, I will have to write the name down and look it up, thanks for the share Robert.
God Blessings
Be in His light and grace

1. Men AND women make laws. Last time I looked there's a lot of females in DC.
2. I nor my poetry have ever made a law.
3. So you meet a lot of Christians like me huh? Helping the homeless, visiting nursding homes, participating on literary projects. I'm glad, cuz these are the things I do. You and I both know your comment telling me to write all this other stuff was pure sarcasm.
4. Unlike your problem with Christians (which is pure profiling), I have no problem with atheists, i know quite a few and the ones I personally know, including a brother, I love them.
5. I will pray about your last statement.

"Robert I would be happy if Christians would act like christians every once in a while"

Yeah, me too sometimes. But I'm quite curious that you know so much how 'we' should act and I guess as an atheist, you're off the hook and can do anything you damn well please?

No, I wrote a poem for a silent voice of a multitude of children - many of which were aborted without 'special' circumstances.
Two you immediately got sarcastic by telling me WHAT I should write.
Three I deleted your most ridiculous comments, plent are still here....
Where's your list of humanitarian efforts.

And the biggest of all; please quote where I was judgemental. Judgement is for God.

And I'm ending this here, since you don't need prayer. And I have more stuff to do tonight, last week I helped someone escape a very abusive relationship - she's staying with me for a few days - I want to go visit with her for a bit. i took her by her mom's today on my way to work - where I am building three schools - I want to learn how her visit with her mom went and then maybe play a game of Scrabble with her. Her brother is helping her find a place but he doesn't have the room for her at his place. Funny, we have the same size apartment.

More of your comments are not welcomed for lack of time for response. God Bless.

Since when is it anti woman to be pro children? And why can't a man feel love and compassion for children? I have a thing about sexist women who only see the worst in men! The B word comes to mind.

In defense of my brother his poem is to the point and up to date. I am pro-life and will be that way till I go home to be with the Lord. We have no right to decide the sentence on a little unborn child. I think more people ought to use their head to think with before they get into circumstances where the only way out is to murder an unborn child. Prevention is the best thing for all concerned. There are too many lives being aborted before they see the light of day.

Obviously this is a "touchy" subject! The poem was merely a tribute to the life that never had a chance to experience what we all do in our lives...straight from the heart. Very nice. Thank you.

Exactly Karoline, that is all it was a mere poem with a single tribute in mind. Thank you for your voice of reason.

Folks, I didn't delete all Lori's comments, she voluntarily withdrew them.

Robert: I have read through your comments and I agree with you. We should be able to write what is in our hearts and other people can write what is in theirs. That's all you did. It is heartrending to those of us who see the little babies as babies to be loved and cared for, to know many are killed instead. Those of us who feel this way, appreciate your poem and the 'voice' you have given these children.
Keep writing. Someone may have a change of heart.

wow...

that last line is a killer...

I love your poem, your comments and your stand. It appears we share the same Christian beliefs.

Once again am I touched by the words. The unborn never get their say. It is nice that you have said so much using this venue.

oh Robert... this is a beautiful/ sad poem from your heart, dear friend...
the little booties were soo touching... God bless you always, Robert...
good nite... i'm sorry some people did not see it for what it was...

very powerful and sad.

great article

Robt, the poem is crafted well, although the meaning I took away was one of "shouldn't" one of "guilt" and I'm not much into that. Artistic imaging is great, and offering it up was pretty brave...the only issue I have with this is as follows:
You witnessed two abortions. That is not the same thing, at all, as undergoing one.
It's like the difference between visiting in the hospital and being an actual patient. You got to leave, undamaged.
The women who feel that they are forced through life's needs, income, education, support, health, disease, addiction, future possibilities, etc. seldom reach their decision without soul searching, prayer, and guilt.
You have added to their guilt, whether or not it was your intent to do so.

I'm with Fred (God love you, dude) who says No Ovaries, No Opinions.
Yes, I am one of the fem-rights "B?" women, who think the life of the woman is equally valid. I will listen when I hear of people adopting two or more of the "unmanagable" pregnancies. Until women (mostly) and men (especially) have adopted two or more of these babes, I have no time for you, as you don't put your money, family, and life on the line. It is so easy to tell others what THEY should do.

The poem itself was beautiful, Robert. Please don't take me wrong.
The result of the poem, if it causes one would-have-been mom ONE moment of pain, then no, I can't buy into the added shame and guilt.

Forgive, forgive, forgive...and do not judge.
Because you can't...never having walked in the other person's shoes.
Wilka

(You can delete this comment. It won't bother me at all. I know that I am speaking outside the realm of La-La land...and in direct opposition to the the generally held beliefs of the secure and supported women who La_La_languish there.)

Witnessing is not the same? You've got that right! I never said that it was, I was just showing that I was there standing by for two acquaintances who were. No m'am, not the same at all and I personally am happy to be a man in that regards.

And I try my best to leave judgement to God.


Judge Not
© Robert C Burnham
2000


Be careful what you say of the beggar
as he rambles down the street
Can you testify as to his ill-fortune
or place his shoes upon your feet
Think before you utter a slur, meant for that
lady of the night
Can you explain the load she carries or
the sorrows within her sight.

Don't laugh at the man who is down on his luck
unless you can laugh at what you've lost
Don't add to the burden of his shame
if you don't intend to bear his cost
And do not condemn those who do wrong
or announce their wrongs for all to view
Unless you have walked a perfect life
with a heart sinless and so true.

And what of he who is beaten and broke
could you endure his pain
If instead of that down-trodden soul
it was yourself standing in the rain
"Judge not, lest ye be judged" is the message
these words are trying to make
For as you give up on the rest of the world
it may be you that the Lord forsakes.
-------------------------------------------------------------





For he shall have judgment without
mercy, that hath shewed no mercy;
and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
(Jas 2:13)

It is interesting to look back and see what else has been posted here. I see that a number of comments posted after mine exactly make my point as stated in my previous comment! How full of anger and hatred some of the "pro-choice" comments are. I am far from surprised at that.

I do not understand the anger, hatred, and blame, pro and con, generated by this poem. It is an expression of human condition. It simply states that those not born for whatever reason can never know what it is like to live.

The term abortion does not always mean deliberate termination of a fetus because it is not wanted. Sometime abortions are performed to save the mothers life; and some times spontaneous abortions (the correct term for miscarriages) happen in spite of the mother's care and the doctor's skill.

The poem give voice to unborn children. How on earth can compassion for the most helpless among us possibly be construed as anti woman? I lost a child before I got pregnant with my son. I still have moments of sadness that pass like a stray thought. Aborting/losing a baby is a vary sad thing. I don't understand the anger directed at pro life people. It is as though killing an unborn child is something that they are proud of!

WOW

Wonderfully said! Thank you for taking a stand.

I can understand...

Abortion

This poem of yours made me cry, because I can't have children.  I don't approve abortions unless the mother is in danger of losing her life though.

But it takes only a few minutes or even seconds to make a baby.  It takes two people to do it, and if they don't want a baby in the first place they should have used something to prevent it.

**sighing** not everybody can be pleased at all with whatever you write.  But you have gained a fan in me.  ;-)

 

I know how you feel tw. I can't have children either. most men want children. most men don't like the idea of adopting either. I'm happy whether the child is of my blood or not. children are children. I don't have to have a child of my own blood to be a mother. I only approve it like you do. if the life is in danger.

Thanks TW, if what a writer writes pleases EVERYONE then the writer isn't doing his or hers job.