Second Time

Softly, softly I watch you sleep

Eyelids twitching as you dream.

Sleepless, I lay beside you.

Memories, memories

Of last time, come unbidden.

Sudden cry, cry of pain.

Nighttime rush and hurry

Waiting, waiting until

Closed doors barred the way

As they wheeled you in.

Interminable, interminable

Hours of agonized thoughts.

Circles, circles paced in vain.

Longing to see your face again,

Wanting to see both you and him.

Finally, finally the doors reopen

And they bring you out.

Speechless, terrified, time moves

Slowly, slowly enough to see

That something is wrong.

Lifeless, lifeless eyes do not see.

Limp arms drape over the edge.

You are barely alive and I want

To scream, scream at everything,

But I must be strong for you.

Frantic, frantic dash to the O.R.

Tried to comfort you, but you were

Too far gone to feel it.

Tears, tears falling on wet cheeks

Impossible suspense and pain.

Finally, finally the nurse came out

And with her she brought him!

And with him my life, life had new light.

But still I waited for you and

Worried my heart out.

Safe, safe and whole, they brought

You back to your room.

And my heart was full again.

Relieved, relieved you were alive

Because I had feared you were not.

Then they showed, showed us our son

And I'd never felt such joy as when

Looking upon you two together.

And knowing, knowing everything

Would be alright.

And now, now I look upon you sleeping

And see your rounded belly,

Anticipating, fretting about how

We are about to go through, through

This once again for her.