Photo © Kim Nelson
The One That Got Away
Within
Gentle droplet
Humanity begins
Viewed at doctor’s, yet that same night
Taken
Woman
Mother-to-be
Seemingly, “Nevermore”
Her womb emptied by dark forces
Grief reigns
© 2013 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
This poem, a cinquain (yes, I wrote a form that was not specifically requested!), for Poets United, is based on my first impression of the fabulous artwork of Kim Nelson (Poet, Artist, Blogger, and FRIEND – check out her work by clicking on her name).
Even though it’s in shades of red, my take was an ultrasound screen, with the fetal head at the top. I did have a miscarriage years ago, which probably explains the red connection, and it haunted me for so long, until I got pregnant with Riley and knew she was ‘in with Velcro.’ Peace, Amy (Proud Member, Poets United)
Sharp Little Pencil 
Mama Zen
This is so sad. Beautifully done.
McGuffy Ann
This was painful. I lost two babies through miscarriage, at different stages. You never get over it.
El Guapo
That’s very powerful and dark.
Kim Nelson
What a beautiful piece written from loss and sorrow. I love your work and your words, Amy. You do my paintings honor.
deanabo
You wrote the emotions really well!
georgefloreswrite
It made me sad, especially to hear that it happened to you… but glad when I got to the “in with Velcro” about your daughter! I was rushed on my comment on your other post about her and wanted to tell you that I bet you and she have the same closeness that my mother and I have – where she can confide anything to you and you can be as honest. A real blessing in this world.
Walt Wojtanik
Tender sorrow, my heart feels the pain. Your passion for life inspires me. Thanks for this, Amy.
Diane Turner
Beautiful and sorrowful piece said with few words, but garnered a huge impact. Excellent writing. Thanks for sharing.
Sherry Blue Sky
So sad. I, too, was lifted up by your words about Riley being “in with Velcro” – thank heavens, hey? such a beautiful girl!
Snakypoet (Rosemary Nissen-Wade)
A moving take on the picture and prompt.
Sabio Lantz
It is amazing how even a very early miscarriage can burn into the mind of a mother to be. And the later the miscarriage, often the deeper the imprint. And the expectations of that birth (first child, first female, first male, after loss of another…).
I once saw a movie of a mother elephant returning to the place where her baby died and rolling the bones with her trunk more than a year after the incident and saw how deep in our brains such a response is.
That such a beautiful red were stir those memories is amazing — one that few guys would get. Actually, I only barely get it intellectually. Deep experiences are so personal.
I actually did my Masters of Public Health thesis/project on “Improving Care for Miscarriages in the Emergency Department” after I saw very callous treatment of women having miscarriages — I learned much during that time (not to mention lots of personal experience).
Thanx for sharing Amos
brian miller
what a hard reality for many…i watched a couple that are friends struggle for years and each loss was like a boxers blow…and then finally they had a child…and now have three….what joy…but they had to walk the valley to get there…sad write…i hope for hope though…
Mary
Definitely expresses the woman’s sadness over a miscarriage. Sorry about your early miscarriage, but so happy as well that Riley brings so much joy.
alan1704
Gentle droplet – you words are a gentle droplet into grief. I love this poem and feel your heart
whimsygizmo
Beautifully done, Amy. Heartbreaking.
vivinfrance
empathetic support in a terrible situation. Brava.
Lisa A.Williams
you say so much in these few lines. To lose a baby is something I don’t think we ever truly get over, always a part grieves. Beautifully written!