A HELPING HAND

and so it goes....

The hostess embraces me until

I impede my weep

Subsequently, we gaze at each other

Silence

She swabs my cheeks with a hanky

Still unaware of my issues

And leads me to a room which is her private office.

 

She graciously pours me a cup of tea

We sit opposite

I profusely apologize for my behavior

She reveals an understanding appearance

Silence

She listens keenly

I shall not repeat my manners on the ship, unnecessary

I inform her about my injured soldier

In addition, he is unaware that I am with child

I clarify that I am uneasy about our impending meeting

And how he may respond  

Our absence has been quite long

And I fear for his condition

I have virtually no emotional support

The doctor who confirmed my pregnancy

Wishes to see me monthly

A tear or two still falls upon my cheek

 

When I end my harangue, she has a faint smile

On her face

I catch myself with a grin  and sense that she understands

My troubles

She invites me to

stay as long as necessary

At a reduced rate

For the first time in months, I am less ruffled

Less winded, and do indeed have a helping hand

I thank her for her empathy and kindness

And proceed upstairs to my room

At once, my mind coasts back and forth

Regarding the visit to my soldier

And revealing my condition

This must happen soon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

SERIES: AT BRIDGES END

Reviews

[Marie]

Can't wait for the follow up to this excellently penned narrative poem. The saga of an unmarried mother since time begun is so finely told in this very emotional poem, I was on the verge of tears myself as I read. Her beloved injured, not knowing his present situation and being such a long time since they last met, lead to all kinds of questions in my mind. So happy the 'Mum To Be' found a kind heart who related to her dilemma and I am praying that the father of her baby will be filled with love for both her and their baby, that they will become a loving family and be together forever. Lovely work, Betty! Thank you for sharing...

[Betty Hermelee]

A perfect review Marie, thank you so much; glad you are enjoying it.
Warmly, B

[Marie]

Thank you so very much for sharing, Betty. So looking forward to Part 2. Wishing you a very nice evening, relaxed and pleasant...

[Stella Armour]

Well one hurdle over, she knows it is the soldier's child, whether he will welcome it we will have to wait and see.
She doesn't even really know the extent of his disablement , mentally or physically as to what he will say.
I do hope she is somehow going to meet her lover again, and he is sympathetic ...
Betty, this story seems so real , i do love the way you relate it each time with a bit more suspense ... :)

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Stella for being a great reader....kudos to you! and a fine review!
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Oh Betty this story is becoming a cliff hanger. The tension is building and that meeting with her soldier is going to be dynamite. There is so much at stake here giving consideration to the time period and attitude toward pregnancy in unmarried mothers. What is her soldier going to say? How is he going to take the news? I hope you are already penning the next installment.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Chris, i am so glad you are enjoying this and yes it's coming to head, or maybe two heads....read moreDear Chris, i am so glad you are enjoying this and yes it's coming to head, or maybe two heads....
Thank you always for your support
Happy Thursday!
Warmly, B

[AYVID N]

Dear Betty,
The tension has built up so much now and in this chapter we the readers revisit the grave concerns that presently plague the protagonist. The biggest being, how he'll take the news, another being his condition and if he's even going to be fit to bear the responsibility of a wife and child. Those were such harsh times and soldiers were know to die all the time. It also touched me that this young lady is really so alone and with no support in this delicate condition.

I loved how you portrayed the hostess. We all need such kind and thoughtful people in our lives, especially, in times of trouble. The young lady is heartened by the human touch and strength seeps back into her and helps her think of the next thing to do. Informing the solder soon is imperative.

As always, you did wonders with the storytelling and I can't wait for the next part. Kudos!

[Betty Hermelee]

What can I say? You are the best! Thabk you immensely for your A+ review🌹
Warmly, B

[AYVID N]

And you're such an awesome story teller. I look forward to each chapter, dear Betty. It's my joy and pleasure to review. Keep sharing, please.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

It makes me sad when anyone has to be concerned how a mate would take the news of a pregnancy...it should be joyous....greeted with smiles and excitement.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes J , except this is an unusual point in time for the protagonist…..thank you for your support!
Warmly,B🌹