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Bereft
| Open Poetry #37 |
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Bereft |
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XOx Uriah xOX Senior Member
since 2006-02-11
Posts 1403Virginia 
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Courtship and betrothal... Wedded bliss and expectant child... My beloved, now rest her head in the lap of the earth. Once, I felt myself to be blessed... But found I'd been beguiled. Death, dissenting... Disallowed the birth. Dispossessed of happiness... My life, now void and vile... Here lie my hopes and dreams and all of worth. Memory lingers on your radiance... As the seed within you bloomed... But, 'mid pains of labor, pangs of death did creep. I held your lifeless body, the infant there entombed... I was helpless, but to kneel in prayer and weep. All Heavenward pleas to the Powers that Be... Could not break your sleep. Blessed hours of visitation... I live now for these times. A chance to escape the sympathetic hearts that crowd me. A time to share current affairs... And recite my latest rhymes... A sworn ritual, for each day that's allowed me. 'Tis only in these moments... The forgotten sun, once more shines... And breaks through the dismal clouds that shroud me. Oh ! How I long to lay with you... In your bed beneath the clay. But, by my hands, would be contrary to my creed. I cannot go on, daunted by the guilt that haunts each day... For 'twas I that did sow the poisoned seed. I long for the merciful talons of Death... To come snatch me away... And from these tormenting tethers of Life... At last be freed. |
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| © Copyright 2006 Larry F. Leake - All Rights Reserved | |||
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XOx Uriah xOX Senior Member
since 2006-02-11
Posts 1403Virginia |
Many years ago, I came across a small journal that my grandfather had kept. The years covered in it were from the late 1800s to the early part of the 20th century. Although he was the father of 10 children who went on to live fruitful lives, I was shocked at the number of named and un-named babies that had not survived birth or had succumbed to death shortly after. One of the entrys spoke of him losing his first wife in childbirth. All of this was far from uncommon in those days and in fact occured so often that after awhile it was accepted as almost routine by those who lived in and around these mountains. When my wife was carrying our first child, I couldn't help but think upon these things. Late one night I decided to ponder on the worst case scenario and attempt to write of it. As my mind rolled around on the subject...this is what fell out. |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
I'm pleased to know that it's not written from a personal experience but what a tremendous write - an emotional write! Well, having the "magical head" that someone once said I have, I'd be inclined to think that you had an invisable helper in the writing hereof but the praise goes to you! Now to dry my tears! Helen |
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WindWalker Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 1218 |
This is very heart felt. And I like the way you write!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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garysgirl  
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Uriah, thank you for the explantion of your poem. I could feel it was heartfelt and after I read your comment, I see that it was well thoughtout. Thank you for sharing with us. Hugs, Ethel |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Uriah...I was about to give you the sympathy that you shunned in the poem, but then read your explanation. It's true, in those days many infants died. It must have been very hard on those who wanted them to live.  |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thank goodness this wasn't true! Thank you also for explaining that before we all read your poem. Beautiful poem, and I am sure that many men, even today, sadly, would be able to relate it to their own experience. - Owl |
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