Goodbye… or hello?

Will I get to see my precious son alive?

Am I preparing for his first hello?

Or bracing for his final goodbye?


Wrenching, terrifying thoughts

Too many times told he could die

That I may never see his bright, open eyes


Sharp, white hot pain

Arching up my back

“That looks like labour,” the obstetrician said


I know it’s too early

“Prematurity and cardiac is not a good mix,”

I’ve been told


But what can I do?

Nothing in this pregnancy

Has been in my control


Stress levels beyond measurement

I don’t doubt that’s a contributing factor

To this sudden onset of labour


Harsh grip on my thigh

Needle plunged through

Meds to swallow too


“Hopefully this will slow things down,” I’m told

“Steroids to develop his lungs

And meds to stall labour,”

Hospital tests show

This will only be a delay

Labour is imminent


How many days do I have?

Who would know?

Am I preparing for his final goodbye –

Or for his first hello?

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