The Apology

for my unborn son (Shakur)

i submit this apology

for never giving you the chance to breathe

before you developed fingers and toes

i foolishly made the choice that forced you to leave

you never got to feel the warmth of your mother

or tell her, "i love you"

without the slightest display of a stutter

your dreams were shattered

before they were even created

i snatched away your first words

before they were even stated

you didn't know the difference

between wrong and correct

i couldn't hug you goodbye

because your arms hadn't developed yet

a picture of your unnamed face

haunts my every dream...

but, all i can do is apologize

for never hearing your silent scream

Author's Note

This is not a poem for/against abortion. Simply my own experience. At 17, it was reported to my girlfriend and myself, that a medical complication was jeopardizing the health of the fetus, which then would do the same to her if carried full term. We made a choice, after closer examination, it was discovered the doctor's concerns were mistaken. I wrote this when i was 17.

Reviews

[Dye]

Wow. Very emotional poem. Feels like you put your soul into it.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

This is one of my more personal pieces, so it does embody a particular piece of me. Thank you for reading and relaying such sincere words, I will be sure to reciprocate.

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Such a sad and bittersweet sentiment. The gift of life taken away so quickly, and yet the fact that this life existed, even for a short while inside the womb, is a miracle. Lovely write, my friend.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, I appreciate your words.

[TrimarcoRansome]

Painfully written with immense warmth and depth of emotion, which only truly deep experiences give you. These words are real, you portray their depth excellently.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you for such a grand review. I am glad to know the words reached you in such a way.

[Holly Mason]

an apology that reaches the stars...
heart wrenching are these words
a young soul going through this...I am sorry
thank you for sharing

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you for your visit and your very kind words. I appreciate you relaying your thoughts on this piece and your sincere sentiment.

[SyberRose]

This is so sad...doctors make mistakes but this is heartbreaking. It is a shame you had to go
through such a tragedy at such a young age...Rose

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you for reviewing it, Rose. It was a great misfortune in my life, but it has made me a better father in spite of it.

[Rogue]

Travis, there is so much I could say here, but none of it will put me in your shoes at that time and even come close to understanding how difficult this must have been and still is for you.
I can only say I am sorry you had to experience this at all, my friend. :(

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you Rogue, your endearing sentiment is enough.

[Forgiven]

Lost for words..... Very sad and deep

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, i appreciate you taking the time to review this piece.

[Frieda P]

I have no words, sadness and the regrets of it all are overwhelming, I can only imagine...'silent screams', that really got to me....outstanding.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Frieda. You're visit is much appreciated.

[Frieda P]

My pleasure, such a heartfelt read, it really touched my heart my friend.

[Parsimony]

Strong, potent, especially the last line.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you for reviewing my work, i appreciate your visit. i will be sure to reciprocate with a visit of your works.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

been there...and this just knocked me over with sadness, regret, and memories that are impossible to shake.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

I'm sorry to hear that you can relate to the subject matter so intimately. I do thank you for sharing those thoughts in such a personal review.