Saturday, April 27, 2013

A to Z Challenge


For the A-Z challenge, we decided to post a new and original poem every day. Regina tackles the letter "x" today with a poem about her daughter, Gwendolyn and her first x-ray.
 



Failure to Thrive

She refused to drink and
her cry dried
into a shrill rattle.

Her cheeks melted ice,
her wide-open mouth,
a cavern I couldn't traverse

I laid her on a
bed of x-rays
beneath florescent lights

surgery standing over my shoulder,
whispering fear.

18 comments:

  1. Very haunting poem. When I looked at your description and what it's about, then read it over, it read even deeper. Very touching, covering the harrowing fears of a mother. Writer’s Mark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Nancy. It was a tough one to write.

      Delete
  2. Oh, Gina. That one cuts to the quick.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, Ann. I hesitated posting it but I think it speaks to all mothers. Especially when you do everything to keep your child from harm but sometimes have to make tough decisions.

      Delete
  3. Woah, this one came from your bones girlfriend. I love you so.

    ReplyDelete
  4. There aren't many mothers out there who haven't experienced this kind of pain. You never forget. This came from your soul.
    Katie atBankerchick Scratchings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Somehow sharing the experience softens the pain.

      Delete
  5. I can feel your pain. I don't have any children, but your pain is universal, I think. And to be able to convey that pain in a poem is remarkable. I am so glad I found your blog during the A to Z.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am glad to have found your blog as well. And you are right that sense of loving without trying to do harm but yet having to make difficult choices is very universal.

      Delete
  6. Every mother's nightmare! My girl had surgery on her ear when she was only three. I was a wreck. All is fine now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's so scary to be in those situations when all you want to do is protect your child.

      Delete
  7. Beautifully written. I feel the fear & my heart bleeds for mother & child. And I know the years have added brightness through the continuing fears, creating a certain balance. You are my hero, Love.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Very painful and tough to read, this one broke my heart. Another powerful piece!

    ReplyDelete
  9. So moving. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

    ReplyDelete