Lonely portrait

 

 

Sadness paints a lonely portrait

A mother leaves her babe behind

Newborn in this darkest hour

What she held she cannot find

 

Brokenhearted complications

Swollen feet and shattered dreams

Through her tears a fearful question

Who can tell her what it means

 

All alone the nursery trembles

Shadows dull the shades of blue

Empty arms of vacant swaddle

What, oh what is she to do

 

No one comes to pay a visit

Far away they clear the space

Needless now for speculation

Pain completes her sullen face

 

Sorrow gathers at the window

Sunny days are in the past

Nothing left for her to live for

As her first is now her last

Reviews

[Perry]

This is well done, Will. Postpartum depression is the first thing entering my mind after reading the first stanza. Hope that's not being presumptuous of me.

[willweb]

Not presumptuous at all, I wrote this so the reader could draw their own conclusions to what was happening. Thanks for reading and commenting Perry.

[Soren]

Will this is a subject of the darkest type. There is no love like that of a mother where the child has been a physical part of her for nine months. I question if the opening of this poem was left somewhat ambiguous for a purpose. It seems that when it states that the mother left her babe behind it could be taken that she gave it up but also that it had died. In either case there is no pain greater than a mother that loses a child. This archetype is set in many mythical and religious stories, even in Mary and the death of Jesus, although a grown man still her child. Very powerful and heart rending. Well written

[willweb]

Thanks Soren and yes, I like to leave some of my poems a bit vague so someone reading can draw their own conclusions from what they see. Thanks again for stopping by.

[DIVYA]

"Sorrow gathers at the window"

This is such a beautiful line!

The mother must have a compelling reason to leave her firstborn. Her sorrow and despondency is weel pictured and felt by your words. I know the reasons must be deep and her situation in some way uncompromising. As a mother, I understand, it would be the last thing a mother would do.

A very sad and beautifully rendered poem, dear Willweb.

[willweb]

Thank you so very much Divya for always reading and commenting on my work. Not many do so I am thrilled you stop by. You are a good friend.

[DIVYA]

Its always very inspiring to read your poetry. Keep sharing, always.

[Betty Hermelee]

That lonely portrait shows us much....there are many women who abandon their babies left at doorsteps of churches and hospitals....it's a sad state of affairs for mother as well as for newborn.... mother feels guilt beyond repair and newborn will never know her real mother.....you paint a vivid picture of this all too often scene in such a heartfelt way....well done!
Best, B

[willweb]

Thank you so much betty for your nice words.

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome will
Best, B