There was no hope.

There were some planks missing on the bridge

I watched him walk carefully along the pipe,

but not carefully enough.

He slipped and began to fall through the gap

I saw and heard his head smack the pipe.

With a splash he hit the water.

screaming kids and youths all shouting,

but nobody doing anything.

There was nothing we could do except

look helplessly at his face framed by

water until he quietly sank.

I never saw his face again except in dreams.

I saw the diver bring him to the bank

and the adults wrapping him in plastic.

Nine years old and gone.

Then I saw and I can still see in my minds eye

his father. Running and already wet with tears,

in agony, knowing, yet hoping

where he knew there was no hope.

 

Reviews

[Stephen]

Wow! I have two kids of my own. This is terrifying. Horrible that a thing like this would happen. I hope this is not something that happened to you. If it was, im terribly sorry. Thanks for sharing this nightmarish memory and getting it out.

[Huw]

That is exactly as I remember it Stephen. I was 11 years old at the time. I had to just get on and deal with it. No PTS back then and nobody to speak with. I didn't realise how much I needed to get this out.

Whenever I hear mothers saying they need a break from the children or they'll be glad when they're back in school. I can't help but hope they don't have to go what that man went through and live their life regretting their words.

[Stephen]

Me either. I would not wish that on anyone