ALTER EGO

post birth blues; uncertainty plagues

ALTER EGO

 

She aches

The aftermath of routine birth

Minutes sink

Her notions of life ahead

As if drowning during a desperate attempt

To reach the shore

 

Fondness befits animosity

Estranged from her family

A one-night stand perhaps

Her dubious mind coils

To fright, baseness

 

Baby howls, incites her insanity

Her bedraggled core heaves

As she fumbles with her quagmire

She is alone with child

Whom she has come to despise

The moment the fire is out

Cages the ruinous decision

She is about to shape

 

In a short time, in true darkness

She waits until the streets slumber

Mutely, she scrutinizes a harmless place

To forsake her child

 

As she walks away numb

Bare hands quake

Shrieks of doubt come to pass

Her alter ego emerges in shadow

She is implored to have a change of heart

The cosmos stills, momentary hush

Alas, she inhales new breath

 

Reverts to retrieve the infant from the bin

As she and her alter ego

Launch a new overture to life.

 

 

Author's Note

This is an unfortunate occurrence that happens with all ages of women.

Reviews

[W. Barrett Munn]

Combined postpartum depression with the incredible weariness of interrupted short sleep nights its no wonder.

Winston

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your words, for some it's a tough decision
Best, B

[Re-Pete]

changing direction - wow, so deep and telling. i like how you came at it from both opposite perspectives. this has got to be your best that i have read. just wow. very real and tugging directly at heart strings. an emotional roller coaster. you really pulled out all the stops on this one. top notch stuff betty - poetry at its finest. bravo ... :)

[Betty Hermelee]

WOW! Thanks Pete for a very thoughtful review, much appreciated!
Warmly, B

[JessyJacob]

Until you know about horoscopes, when i will be dying, i shouldnt giv birth, thats a big question mark, i didnt enjoyed marrried life, life with kid, always wanted a boy and girl, why that miracle could happen, where i make my child grow positively and for youth then they take care of themselves, thats i had been trying to do, it took bold step even to leave, for one, and the same people criticizing for having a child and i am sure beyond god , there is no one, death only can separate, the second wedding, my first child i leave him, i even took bold step to do more for him, hope everyone should trust me for not leaving in dustbin, i kept in safe hands of his dad, and if god forbids i leave my second child to his father only, not to anyone. My longing to give birth to kids, made me to protected by them in my severe despair, and struggle, kids always protect their parents, but here reverse happening, kids doesnt want to grow, but in may case i teach boldness for their strength and keep family proud. So please dont throw random thoughts, for every question there is positive answer, i can answer everyone. If my son would have been not there, i would died last year itself by hit and depression, he proteceted me from people, and never now wants me to cry, if someone leaves, kids for sure never leave parents, thats my bonding with them.

[Betty Hermelee]

No one should ever leave a newborn in a garbage bin, but a turn of thought changed it.
Thank you,
B

[JessyJacob]

I see your concern and love, for kids especially, they need more, for grown ups they inturn do care the older, I do miss my son, but it’s no diefference living 800 miles or 8000 miles if the frequency of travel doesn’t increase I feel to stay near to both to not to miss it’s just matter of distance that builds the miss but I do promise I never make both of them missing me, for they adore me and the love to parents also needed a much responsibility for their children being, I do care. Dear Betty I real miss the relationship and love of mother in law the mom and also little teasing mom, but I know you are not such kind but will be more than my mom for the love you have on us your daughters and daughter in law.

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful use of words and thoughts dear Betty. The alter ego can be dangerous. Lead us to dangerous place.
" Reverts to retrieve the infant from the bin
As she and her alter ego
Launch a new overture to life."
I liked the honest tone in the above lines. YI wanted to know more and thank you for sharing the entertaining poetry.
Coyote

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much john for a fine review! (forgot about this poem!)
Warmly, B

[Katriya]

It's very touching and dead truth pictured wonderfully in your poem!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks you Shafrini for stopping by and reviewing my poem.
Best, Betty

[Betty Hermelee]

I tend to get to stories a bit late, but I won't ignore you!!! Best, Betty

[Katriya]

You're most welcome!

[albee]

Poem as short story. An all too common story. Unresolved, as to the future of the two characters.
Poignant view of the anomie of our times.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your review!
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

It happens, though some don't have a change of heart. Things must get desperate for a mother to abandon her baby. The end of the line when help doesn't arrive. Tragic situation Betty. Composed with feeling.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

A belated thank you Chris... it's a terrible, horrifying thing to do, but it's done, nevertheless.read moreA belated thank you Chris... it's a terrible, horrifying thing to do, but it's done, nevertheless.
Best, B

[Vertigo Cat1111]

It really is a sad, a real thing that happens all the time. I think you captured that grief and sadness for all sides perfectly. It’s remarkable and such good commentary. It really is hard for so many women out there with kids in general. Most times having kids means so much sacrifice, more than they can even comprehend before, I’m sure. I can’t speak from personal experience, but I can only imagine from what I’ve heard. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful poem that I’m sure will help so many people.

[Betty Hermelee]

A belated thank you V.... love your reviews!!!
Best, B

[Fran Marie]

so many women struggle with
the emotional impact of having
babies and not being able to
to. deal with it ..a full time job
being a mother..a common thread
women of all ages share ..it happens
way too often in today's society

nice work

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes it does Fran.... and it's so sad.. Thank for a thoughtful review.
Best, B

[cheyenne s garcia]

How beautiful this was to read. I really enjoyed this piece. Please read mine as well. Well done.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for reading… perhaps next time please give a more in depth review, like why did you like it??.
Best
B.
PS please do not request any more reads from me, it’s way too much work, I have to read many others too, thank you, Betty