In My Heart

[Zondrae]

A spontaneous poem that I have wanted to write since I first began writing. Somehow the vehicle didn't arrive til now but when it did, I simply sat down and let it write itself. Only a few little 'fixes' to do the next day. It is s true story!

In My Heart
Zondrae King (Corrimal) 07/13

It was a night beyond all nights that I remember best.
A night when one new life was born and other lives were blessed.
That night in darkness, first I held her closely to my breast
and cradled my new baby in my arms.

The doctor said that she was due in twenty seven days
but doctors don’t know everything and sometimes they amaze.
I said he was mistaken as his eyes began to glaze.
My heart told me his calculations wrong.

I woke with sudden knowledge she was coming, twelve o’clock.
The clock would have been chiming if it was a chiming clock.
With gnawing feelings that no words or comforting could block,
we packed the car and headed into town.

I felt the pain increasing on the journey to the nurse.
Regardless of the soothing every pain was getting worse
The ambulance was waiting, what a blessing in reverse
but in my heart I knew that things were fine.

There’d been a storm that afternoon, the road to Walgett out.
The other road was treacherous but was the only route.
I travelled with the bush nurses; my husband was about.
The ambulance then slipped into the ditch.

Between the next contractions, I changed to the other car
It must have looked quite funny if observing from afar.
So dodging Kangaroos and sheep and trying not to jar,
both car and labour moving very fast.

At fourteen miles from hospital, the way ahead still black
Writhing in my labour with the nurse in the wagon’s back.
She motioned to the driver “stop the car beside the track.
we’ll never make the hospital in time.”

With just one push she slipped into the nurses waiting arm.
I thanked the Lord and asked if there was any sign of harm.
Already we had all been filled with unexpected calm.
We found a rug to wrap this baby in.

Remembering the sigh she made, complete with shoulder shrug
as, with one hand upon her cheek, she snuggled in that rug
I looked at her and gently gave her that first mother’s hug
and found she had already won my heart.

As years go by I often speak of that October night
when she was born beside the road; delivered by torch light.
Dramatic and impatient; seems her birth event was right.
These treasured memories are in my heart.

[Zondrae]

and already I can see some spots that could do with a tweek.

But for the moment it can be open for comment. I won't be 'hurt' if you pick at it.

[Neville Briggs]

Goodonya Zondrae


I must admit birthing stories make me a bit queazy, too raw for me

[Maureen K Clifford]

What a lovely telling of your daughters birth Zondrae - that is a special poem indeed. Every Mums nightmare not making the hospital in time.

[Zondrae]

Thanks for the quick replies Maureen and Neville.

You may think I have glossed over the trauma but I am, or should that be was, one of those lucky women who have short labours with very easy births. The labour with this one was a mere two hours almost to the second. My first was about four and a half and my precious baby boy, who was a little early,was also about four hours.

I had not so much as a glass of water, let alone drugs, with the road side birth and nothing but a little gas for the last fifteen minutes with the boy. The first one I did what I was told and had gas at about the two hour mark but not one stitch. I should have had a dozen! Pity you can't sell them (Ha ha)

[alongtimegone]

Beautifully told Zondrae.
Wazza