A birth unheralded, shameful, undisclosed
Single parent, if barely that, and poor
Her life already stretched—too much imposed
Her own childhood was bleak with slamming doors
What is there for me, her newborn implores
A spark is lit: I must be strong and love!
Stand tall, fight against all that I abhor!
Allow gracious good to reign, instead of…
Looked back in the archives and decided to try another huitain for our dVerse Open Link Night. Grace is our hostess: http://dversepoets.com/2013/03/19/openlinknight-week-88/
Bodhirose's Blog 
brian miller
/ March 19, 2013its hard…where this hit me is i have several students at the high school having babies right now….so scary for me to even think on…as it will hugely change their life…many of them will raise their child as a single parent or with their parents…its hard…it can be done though…i know several single parents that have made it or are making it…i like your turn in attitude…you got to stay positive..grace and good reign…yep, cause doesnt sound like they want to be like how they grew up…
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013Some people don’t make that turn and continue the cycle of neglect and/or abuse. That’s when it’s super hard to witness. I wish the best for those students…it’s not going to be easy but I hope that they are determined to do their best.
LikeLike
Renee Espriu
/ March 19, 2013There is always something in life for everyone, even if beginnings are not what you think they should be. Being strong and staying determined and doing it with love….there is light at the end of the tunnel. Wonderful piece, Gayle.
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013You’re exactly right, Renee…tough starts can end up beautifully. Thanks, Renee.
LikeLike
Mary
/ March 19, 2013Every life is a gift. Single parent or not. Few people, believe, regret later on being born. To a single parent or not. Life is beautiful & to be cherished.
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013When in the depths of poverty and despair it can be difficult to see the beauty in life. But with support…it can be seen. I think you’re right about most people being accepting of their parental status…as long as there is love and nurturing in the home children are okay.
LikeLike
markwindham
/ March 19, 2013So many in need of that spark, just one voice of encouragement.
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013You’re right, Mark. One positive, supportive person can make all the difference in the world.
LikeLike
Victoria C. Slotto
/ March 19, 2013Mary pretty well said what I was going to say. It takes courage to carry a pregnancy to term when support may be lacking. This touched me deeply.
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013It sure does take courage, and much more to remain a loving parent to your child. I wish that for all children.
LikeLike
siggiofmaine
/ March 20, 2013WoW. Good stuff here to ponder…very deep and touching.
Peace
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013Thank you, Siggi..I appreciate that.
LikeLike
claudia
/ March 20, 2013i love her brave spirit in this…the wanting to make things different, the giving her own child a better future…even if the circumstances are not the best, her attitude can change it for better
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013Determination and a positive attitude are half the battle…so true, Claudia…thank you.
LikeLike
Sabio Lantz
/ March 20, 2013How common a story! How nicely captured. Nature switches triggered with birth — and hopefully we become different creatures.
I have a few folks working with me who have very low income, don’t strive to improve their lot and are still young — who were just surprised by pregnancies which will stop dreams of the improvements that they never had — OR, will they now wake up, even if the going will be tougher — both them and their boyfriends. I hope for happy stories — these are such good folks. Heck, I hope for good stories even in the bad ones.
I like what becoming a father later in life triggered in me (dads get it too).
Epigenetics is fascinating.
Again, nicely captured. Thank you.
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013All too common. I sometimes wonder what affect it will have on our society. I wish the best for all who find themselves in this situation…because it’s not just about them anymore…there’s another someone to think about. I have heard of epigenetics…something to do with changes brought about on an entity without changing the DNA…don’t know if I quite got it right…
LikeLike
Tino
/ March 20, 2013Stand tall, fight against all that I abhor
If we all spent more time doing that, then being a single parent might not be such a tough task.
Theres deep feeling in this which speaks to me on a different level maybe because there is much there to relate to.
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013Have seen situations in my own family where very immature and selfish “adults” have had children only to want to continue to lead a life of partying. From my experience, it’s the grandparents that have stepped up to the plate to provide security, love and nurturing.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings, Tino.
LikeLike
Lorna's Voice
/ March 20, 2013This one cuts deep,Gayle. Leaving it hanging is such an effective technique, because isn’t that how we all feel, whether we are the ones suffering or the ones watching, not knowing what to do?
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013More often than not, it’s the children who are left hanging when their parents are less than capable…it really bothers me. Thanks, Lorna.
LikeLike
Beth Winter
/ March 20, 2013There are times when the answers are so deeply hidden that despair is easier than hope. Fortunately, hope is usually stronger. Well written.
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013I think first and foremost it takes a determined individual who wants to do right by their child. Other things can fall into place when you have someone whose will is strong. Thanks, Beth.
LikeLike
Voyages Vistas Vino
/ March 20, 2013…and the epithet at the end hangs…nice…
Cheers,
Mark Butkus
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013Thanks, Mark…I appreciate that.
LikeLike
Tony Maude
/ March 20, 2013Will she succeed or not? I love the way you don’t resolve the question, Gayle. That adds strength to an already powerful poem.
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013I’m glad that was effective, Tony…thank you.
LikeLike
Inside the Mind of Isadora
/ March 20, 2013Powerful and insightful … expressive thoughts of a heavy burden yet to come for someone alone.
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 20, 2013Thank you, Izzy…a tough spot for sure..
LikeLike
ayala
/ March 20, 2013A strong and good write, Gayle.
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 29, 2013I appreciate that, Ayala.
LikeLike
Lafemmeroar
/ March 27, 2013Love it … “gracious good to reign” brilliant!
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 29, 2013Ah, thank you, Laf…very kind of you.
LikeLike
Lafemmeroar
/ March 30, 2013Not kind … honest! 🙂 Luv ya 🙂
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 30, 2013I think that’s even better! Luv ya back! 🙂
LikeLike
Lafemmeroar
/ March 31, 2013🙂
LikeLike
Gray Dawster
/ March 29, 2013This is a very good posting Gayle 🙂 Happy Easter and watch
out for any wayward Bunnies 🙂 Just kidding… Oh and enjoy a
chocolate egg or ten, I am already licking my lips for it 🙂 xxx
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 30, 2013Happy Easter, Geoff! I spent sometime at your space tonight…very entertaining as usual. Loved meeting Horace…hope he’s doing well. And I hope you’re doing well too…nice of you to come by. I’ve been a bit lazy about posting lately. Do you ever go through periods like that?
Don’t eat too many chocolate bunnies or eggs and not too many of those Peeps…maybe you don’t have Peeps over there…do you? Anyway enjoy your weekend… xoxo 🙂
LikeLike
brian miller
/ March 30, 2013hey there….happy easter…
so you want to host on thursday the 11th of april?
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ March 30, 2013Hi Brian…sure I would. I think I’ll email you with some questions and thoughts if you don’t mind.
LikeLike
mindlovemisery
/ April 6, 2013Incredible, I am just in awe at the depth of your talent
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ April 6, 2013Well, that’s very generous of you…thanks so much.
LikeLike
ladynyo
/ January 10, 2017Whoa! this is the first time I have ever heard of this form. Marvelous piece of work, Gayle.
LikeLike
Bodhirose
/ January 11, 2017Thank you, Jane. I wrote a couple of these. They’re a bit tricky but very satisfying to accomplish. Maybe another form we can revisit on dVerse. Although if the form is too difficult, people will run for the hills! Lol!!
LikeLiked by 1 person