by Terry Collett
Member since:
November 1, 2006

A Mother and her Dead Child

November 07, 2012 05:06 PM UTC
views: 0 | 5 people recommend this | comments: 30

Looking back
it seemed
the child

was not to be
always there,
not through lack

of love or care,
but something
that came to her

in dreams of dread
at night asleep in bed.
She tries to retake

in dreams
the child back,
to pretend

that through
wishful thinking
she can make up

the lack.
Arms fold
into cradle

as once they had
when child lay
in arm’s hold,

snuggled
and warm,
alive and moving,

seeking out with
eyes and fingers
her mother’s dug.

Rock-abye-baby
no more,
the arms

and hands
redundant,
the last time

she recalls
the dead child
in arms,

rocking
back and forth,
as if this might cure

and bring back
to life,
might stir open

eyes, jog open
lips and mouth
to suck.

Not to be
just the memory,
ill luck.

Comments: 30

Karen E. Nov 7, 2012, 5:14pm UTC
The saddest of sad...
Terry Collett Nov 7, 2012, 5:35pm UTC
Yes. Thank you for reading, Karen
t b. Nov 7, 2012, 5:20pm UTC
But wonderful...
Terry Collett Nov 7, 2012, 5:35pm UTC
Thank you, t b.
Angela A. Nov 7, 2012, 5:24pm UTC
Another sad poem
Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!
Make your own banner at MyBannerMaker.com!
Terry Collett Nov 7, 2012, 5:35pm UTC
Thank you, Angela.
David Prosser Nov 7, 2012, 5:49pm UTC
Such a sad poem Terry and unfortunately true in so many cases. Beautifully written.
Terry Collett Nov 8, 2012, 1:52am UTC
Thank you, David.
Bernard C. Nov 8, 2012, 3:12am UTC
Sad indeed - very sad moments - those memories etched and marked for life - very well written

Thanks for sharing and submitting to
The Surreal Circus.
Terry Collett Nov 8, 2012, 8:39am UTC
Thank you, Bernard
ʚϊɞ Carol ʚϊɞ Nov 8, 2012, 12:34pm UTC
Featured
Terry Collett Nov 8, 2012, 3:35pm UTC
Thank you, carol
stephen berwaldt Nov 8, 2012, 11:23am UTC
A wonderful illumination of a situation that is anything but... We have lived through that experience and I think you've nailed the emotions directly on their ugly irreversible head.
Your empathy delights...or should I say, reassures that someone out there understands and hears the crying...

Thank you for submitting to Gathers Luminous Writers and Artists. Now Featured.
Terry Collett Nov 8, 2012, 3:36pm UTC
Thank you, stephen
Barbara H. Nov 8, 2012, 11:37am UTC
Losing a child born into the world and not being permitted to keep that being is a loss that I cannot fathom, however, your poem also covers with sympathetic blanket, the miscarriage, the loss in mid-growth I call it the GREAT miscarriage of justice, I have suffered, and do not understand but wish I could. Any miscarriage, any loss of a child at whatever point is undeniably painful, thank you for such understanding.
Terry Collett Nov 8, 2012, 3:37pm UTC
Thank you, Barbs x
ʚϊɞ Carol ʚϊɞ Nov 8, 2012, 12:33pm UTC
You know I can relate to these emotions and forever pain. I had Dustin for 16 years. However, I experienced the same raw emotions as a mother losing a newborn baby or miscarriage. A mother's loss is horrific and unexplainable. A part of you is gone forever.
I am thankful for the 16 years of memories.
Terry Collett Nov 8, 2012, 3:38pm UTC
I thank you for reading, Carol, but sad for your loss of Dustin.
ʚϊɞ Carol ʚϊɞ Nov 8, 2012, 3:40pm UTC
Thank you Terry.
Betty S. Nov 8, 2012, 2:17pm UTC
I too know the anguish of losing children. Both before they were ready to be borne and in childhood. it's a pain that last a lifetime.
Terry Collett Nov 8, 2012, 3:39pm UTC
Thank you, Betty. Yes, that is right.
Terry Collett Nov 8, 2012, 3:44pm UTC
My daughter knew a loss of her first ever first unborn, my wife too. Bless the babies souls
Connie C. Nov 8, 2012, 4:25pm UTC
My husband and I lost four babies.
Terry Collett Nov 9, 2012, 2:14am UTC
I am so sorry for your & your husband's loss, Connie.
Connie C. Nov 8, 2012, 4:25pm UTC

I am just stopping by to take the time to say "Thank you for posting to Gather Writing Essential (WE).

Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Terry Collett Nov 9, 2012, 2:14am UTC
Thank you, Connie.
Allen H. Nov 9, 2012, 4:30am UTC
Ill luck indeed, the worst possible.
It is not good to outlive your children.
Terry Collett Nov 9, 2012, 6:52am UTC
Thank you, Allen.
Kevin E. Nov 10, 2012, 8:39pm UTC
This is a heartbreaking incredibly well written poem. This is every parent's nightmare. My sister lost her daughter and she has never been the same. Parents are suppose to die before their children.
Terry Collett Nov 11, 2012, 3:11pm UTC
Thank you for reading, Kevin. Sorry to hear of your sister's loss.

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Business | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Giveaways | Health | Money | Moms | News | Politics | Sports | Style | Technology | Travel | Writing
Version , "Zach"; Copyright © 2012 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.