She Never Took a Breath
by Kara Wansbury
She never took a breath
(Take mine)
She never saw the sun
(It brings no light to my life)
She never saw my smile
(I have no joy)
She never heard my voice
(It echoes in my empty heart)
She never felt my touch
(I want for no one but her in my arms)
She felt my love and it was all I could give her
:::
about the poem.
I wrote this poem a few weeks after my gorgeous daughter was born into peace on 2 March 2011. I named her Marin. Marin, of the sea. She was diagnosed with hydracephelus and spina bifida at 20 weeks so I made the heartbreaking choice to endure pain every single day so she was spared it. I started writing poems so that I could explore my feelings and this piece allowed me to explore my feelings of guilt and sadness. Throughout my journey I have always owned every emotion, feeling and experience. I refuse to follow a grief timeline and I refuse to let others guide my feelings. I will not give in to shame and guilt regarding my decision. I will embrace sorrow and hope, equally. I will love again. - Kara
about the poet.
I am 30 years old, single and I live in Sydney, Australia. I am in the Navy and I work in public relations. I have been granted the good fortune of considerable time off work and I will use this time wisely to study and explore my grief in whatever creative outlet I pursue. I am not alone in this journey: I have Marin with me every step of the way. - Kara
