A NEW LIFE

A Prayer for a Loved One

NEW LIFE

 

The soiree is over

I am inwardly crushed

Since this is reality, I must send my condolences to Henry’s brother

In addition, I shall go to church and light a candle for his poor soul

All the love, misunderstandings and mistakes disappear

I must leave these in the past, grieve for him, and thereafter try to press on to another chapter in my life, if that is possible

 

I leave the hospital and decide to ride on a bus to my hotel

I could have phoned Edward, yet I have this desire to be alone, just to grieve, be silent, reflect

 

I arrive at the hotel after a rather bumpy and long ride

Christine is there to greet me as usual

She sees a very tear-stained face I would think

A hot cup of tea would be a good remedy

We sip in her parlor and speak in quiet voices

She knows my heartache and I reveal that soon I shall begin a new life, after I settle the reality of Henry’s death

 

After my tea, I stroll to an old church nearby

Inside it is silent, except for people’s footsteps

I walk toward the heat and light of the candles

Pause, then retrieve one and light it, all the while I pray under my breath, not a single tear, nor heavy breath

I walk out, blank face, a head of stone

 

I stop at a café nearby and attempt to wash away my old life with a glass of sherry or two, yet I know this is ludicrous

I face a busy life with a new baby, and perhaps a new flat

At this moment I have much to be thankful for

I must not forget to make an appointment with the

doctor as soon as possible

I am past due, though I feel well enough

Regrettably though, I trouble about my baby

Perhaps as all mothers do

Budding like a flower? I hope

Shall he have five toes and ten fingers?

Who shall he look like? I dream he resembles his father

So tall, rugged, and handsome

He shall learn about his father’s bravery, his love for me

Thanks to some photographs I keep close to my heart

I toast to my new son and drink the last drop of sherry

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Relic]

With the weight of the world on her shoulders she seems to be strong enough to carry on for her unborn child. This is a story of a strong mother. Well done, Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much Relic, honestly appreciated!
Happy Holidays!
Warmly, B

[Kady R.]

Hiiii Bettyyyyy,

Such a beautifully written poem. Love and loss isn't easy but you captured the protagonists bravery for her new life so well. It was wonderful to read she wasn't alone the whole time there were people in her life that cared even if she wanted to be alone. One can never know who their true friends are until dire circumstances come to test them to stay. Wonderfully written Betty.

Thanks for sharing.
-Kady

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much Kady, appreciated!!!
Warmly, B

[Pete]

fine writing. the plot thickens as only you could concoct. the opening lines grabbed and never let go. ends with a question mark - what's next? where will events take her and how will she respond?

[Betty Hermelee]

Ah Pete, you are the best!! Don't ask how I concoct these episodes!!! Thank you and Happy Holidaysread moreAh Pete, you are the best!! Don't ask how I concoct these episodes!!! Thank you and Happy Holidays
Warmly, B

[Buddhistboy73]

wow!

This is like a mini movie of heartbreak and loss.....you do a great job of engaging the reader on this journey..

New life indeed....

Thanks for sharing this thought provoking poem Betty...:)

BB73

[Betty Hermelee]

you are most welcome!!!
Warmly, B

[Thomas W Case]

Beautiful work, Betty. Powerful writing.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Thomas, much appreciated
Warmly
B

[John the Baptist]

Bereavement is a harsh road to walk. Our heroine is now trying to come to terms with Henry's death and feeling the aftereffects. No definite course is noted, but she seems to have the right priorities. The love she had for Henry will now be focused on her unborn child.

[Betty Hermelee]

Very intuitive review, always....Thank you my Friend
Warmly
B

[Stella Armour]

I swear i only stay on this site to keep up with this story Betty.

It was nice of her to light a candle for him, this will help with closure, and does Henry's brother know about the unborn child?
The new life inside her is the new beginning she so much needs ...

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Stella
Thank goodness for you!! Your support keeps me going! Thank you, so appreciated!!!
Warmly, B

[Soren]

A gray feel to this write of grief and mourning that leaves a flat feel of an ending winter day before the beginning of spring and new life. Well done Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you my friend, always spot on, and much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Soren]

You are most welcome

[Arundass TP]

Death is the only truth we face wiping out all emotions and feelings. Great poem

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you TP, your words mean so much!!! Thank you!
Warmly, B

[Michael Sun Bear]

Nicely written Betty. I especially liked it when you wrote “head of stone” as for me it immediately conjured an image of a headstone over Henry’s grave, if there is such. We all have our own ways of dealing with the heavy weight of grief when we lose a loved one. You have captured well some of the simple things we do: a cup of tea and quiet conversation, the lighting of a candle. I look forward to meeting the new baby.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Michael, a terrific review, most appreciated!!
Warmly, B