Ann sighed so sadly
For she was
pregnant again
This one was her fourth
Yet one child
alive
The angels may
have brought them
But they did not
stay
Jim, Tom and her
here
The others were
in heaven
Not even a grave
She wanted a girl
But often
wondered for why
When life was all
grief
This time it
might stay
For baby was due
in May
That could be her
name
But God would provide
And would take
away as well
She smoothed her
belly
Let me keep this
one
She prayed, and a
daughter too
Jim, stirred by
her side
The cock crowed
outside
Silently she left
the bed
Yet another day
Infant mortality two hundred years ago meant that 25% or
more babies died before they were one year old; many more in undeveloped
countries. Birthdays were not at all important, just surviving was a gift.
Image found at www.all-art.org
How things change. I like the way you write about this as part of life in those days. This is a very touching poem.
ReplyDeleteAnd likely mortality rates are still high in undeveloped countries. Imagine the heartbreak of so many losses. I especially resonate with wondering why she wants a girl child "when life is all grief".......You have hit the tone here to perfection, Robin.
ReplyDeleteYou show the conflict between the life and reality,with life always penetrated through any obstacles....
ReplyDeleteHow true and your poem so poignant...thank you for this perspective.
ReplyDeleteWow, this story of birth is definitely a heart felt one. I never realized the struggle. I mean I knew that it was hard back then, but I never really knew. If this makes sense at all.
ReplyDeleteYou'd think with survival so difficult that birthdays would be a bigger deal - like a milestone. But I've heard even now the aborigines of Australia don't bother with birthdays.
ReplyDelete"Yet Another Day" we deal with life and death and washing the dishes. Your poem brilliantly portrays this in the despair and yearning of a mother pregnant again. I love that she might call her May--a hope, a promise, a change. Despite all, this woman still has hope.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful poem filled with hope despite negative circumstances.
ReplyDeleteso poignant. you've captured it well and the true sense of reality
ReplyDeletegracias
Shelo Asani Isha
ReplyDeleteI can understand why orthodox Jewish males say this prayer every morning.
Women do it very tough and I can understand why they would not to be one.
Such a melancholy poem, OE. The sadness for the loss of babies is behind her as she anticipates the new one to be born. Great picture with this. I'm starting a new link up of writing with a picture...See my post this Sunday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfully tender but powerful piece..
ReplyDeleteA day in the life, what a topic for the poem. A well written look at the world before modern medicine.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful reminder of what women have endured. The mortality rate for women was high as well.
ReplyDelete