This is not a judgement against abortion. Just my own thoughts about the subject.
A cluster of cells a shapeless form Potential life unique humanity created out of love yet destroyed out of fear Who could you be if you were allowed life? Even while you rely on another to sustain you, you are an independent form even in the early stages. A living miracle, not a dependent parasite. Who could you be if you were allowed life? Who would know unless you were?
This is a very important subject and it is well addressed here. You lay out the facts without mincing words. When I look into the eyes of my three children, (my youngest is seven months old) and think back to each of those magical moments -the days they came into this world, and see how they thrive and learn and love, I am humbled and filled up with a gratitude that can not be described in words. To realize how many thousands of these little angels are murdered every year in our own country, for the sake of convenience or for a thousand other excuses, exemplifies the growing evil that threatens to devour the last vestige of humanity by becoming "acceptable." Thank you for sending such an important message in this timely poem, without hiding behind pollitical correctness or the so called "right of the mother to choose." Any mother who consciously chooses to tear out the life growing inside her is, in my opinion, no mother at all. Although I am not qualified to judge anyone, I believe there is a greater power who is and will. But, in all honesty, I have to consider such a person something else altogether....
If even one young lady reads what you have written here and is moved to search her heart and use the intellect with which she herself was born, you may have saved someone's life today. Your words contain such power that they could change the world, and for this you should be very proud!
~Butch
You were talking of a son, which could had been by now a writer, violinist or a doctor searching for the solution of the cancer mysteries but...his father was never asked.
A nice piece of poetry, it sounds like fingernails on a blacboard, taking you there...where it hurts!
Exellent.
YiKees! POwerfully spoken * POwerfully felt! Let is always remind others - a Life is a Life - I must read more of your heartfelt writings my friend ~ Love & Light, Warmly, Illuminating Sheee
I appreciate all of the comments made by members of this den and respect the opinions of others, whether they differ from mine or not. I am unashamedly pro life, however, there are unique circumstances where abortion may be called for. If the life of the mother is put in jeapardy for example. Victims of incest or rape should also be offered this option as continuing with a pregnancy could cause irreparable damage to the emotional psyche in these unique circumstances. Personally I think this should be avoided by taking action immediately after the event (the morning after pill for example).
By the time the expectant mother has missed her first period, the fetus has already passed the zygote stage and the circulatory system has started to form. A week after the missed period, the little heart starts to beat. The majority of abortions (based on statistics) are performed between 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy (three weeks after the missed period) and at this point, the fetus is recognisable as a small human. It has little arms and legs, fingers and toes and even moves around. Sonar scans show that the baby reacts to stimuli and can therefor feel pain.
I cannot justify killing a little life purely because it is 'inconvenient'. What is even more horrific is that there are a few abortions performed after the twelve week mark. A nurse friend told me that she had personally witnessed the abortion of a twenty two week fetus. The baby was born alive and even cried weakly. It was left to die unattended. It was enough to change her mind about abortion and she has refused to be involved in one ever again.
In spite of my strong personal views about abortion, I have compassion for those who've made this choice for whatever reason. I am not in judgement against anyone but it would not be my personal choice based on the reasons I've given. This poem was intended to inspire thought and possibly evoke some emotion.
As one who gave a child life so that he could be adopted into a loving family that was able to provide for him far better than I was able to do at the time, and as one who has worked as a sexual assault counselor, I have lived both sides of this issue. No matter the circumstances, the answer is never an easy one.
"Who could you be
if you were allowed life?"
A very powerful question, my friend. Very powerful.
What a good question poem...we would not know unless we allow LIFE!!
Love Tinka
Reviewed by Anna Marie Fritz (Reader)
Reviewed on August 3, 2006
Dear Chanti...these beautifully expressed thoughts I am certain
echo those of God himself, for scripture verifies his high opinion
of even "those in the womb."
Your tender heart shows, as well as your poetic talents, in this
lovely piece!
Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)
Reviewed on August 3, 2006
Said in such a soft tender voice.
It is a question that only the "self" can ever answer.
I truly agree with what you penned here. I am pro-choice, and agree that a woman has to decide what is best for she and her unborn child. But if the decision were mine to make for ME, I'd never consider destroying a life that grew within me. I think so much has to do with educating women to use birth control if they want to avoid pregnancy. In America, kids have ready access to condoms and spermacides in every drugstore, in every town. Yet, they are often unprepared for the consequences, paying no heed to what might happen including disease as they unzip. In a very elegant, simple way you have given us all a lot to think about. Hugs and blessings, Michelle
So true. It think you may have meant your last line to be "[How] would you know" instead of "Who would you know." Either way, this is a well-written and well-delivered sentiment; with which I happen to agree. -- Jeff
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on August 3, 2006
May not be a judgment, but it sounds like one to me, and one that I concur with. Good.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Taylor (Reader)
Reviewed on August 3, 2006
With all the birth control options, there shouldn't be abortions, but having worked at a rape crisis center and seeing children raped by family memebers and impregnated, I am thankful there are the options of abortions. Not all impregnations are "love" inspired, but angry hateful, the most disgusting of acts. The first time a man has to have an unwanted pregnancy, will be the last argument on the subject.
A truly great pen on one of America's most touchy subjects. Being a realist by nature, I tend to keep my personal feelings from blocking the realities that are present. My realist view thinks of all the un-wanted children that could have been born, and the lives they would lead in an un-wanted inviroment. Statistics show that children who live in a (I really didn't want you) household more often than not end up with deep psychological problems that must be dealt with as they grow older. True there are exceptions to the norm, but the norm is what we as a society have to live with. Because of the ignorant adoption policies that we have in this country, I try to picture what our world would be with a few million un-wanted attitudes drifting around. If a child can't be given more than just being born, is it fair for them to be brought into "life" and not into "living"? How many of these children would be beat, mentally abused or any other form of retaliation from a parent who would feel that they ruined their life? I think life should be something a child should enjoy life while receiving the love and care that go with it, not just another number in the census list. With all of the "yes but what ifs" that can come into play, I as a realist place these thoughts into the "Hope" and "Maybe" catagories of life. Though this note may perceive me to be pro abortion I must say that actually I'm against it. I just believe there is so much more to being born than living, and the main thing is having a love filled and happy life afterwards.
Very thought provoking Chanti, and this poem is a great piece to make people consider both sides of abortion rationally. I do not take to strong a stance on this issue for I have seen both sides and still cannot make my mind up in some cases. This work informs without preaching. Well done.
Superb presentation poem Chanti!Thank you for sharing. ...I'm not going to judge either, but the shame of it is the lies that are used for justification out of guilt, makes the whole situation too sad for words. Good to read you!...
Mary Angela Nangini's poems celebrate the richness of life and love. From the city to cottage-country and the roads in between, Nangini explores the changing seasons of her varied region. (This book will soon be reprinted in hard cover.)
Still Living on my Feet is the follow up to Tichaona Chinyelu’s first book, In the Whirlwind, which was rooted in a sense of hard-hitting revolutionary black love. However, in this sophomore effort, Tichaona brings the revolutionary essence from deep
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If even one young lady reads what you have written here and is moved to search her heart and use the intellect with which she herself was born, you may have saved someone's life today. Your words contain such power that they could change the world, and for this you should be very proud!
~Butch
A nice piece of poetry, it sounds like fingernails on a blacboard, taking you there...where it hurts!
Exellent.
Memorable things are possible when talent and courage take the pen.
Frank
Regis
By the time the expectant mother has missed her first period, the fetus has already passed the zygote stage and the circulatory system has started to form. A week after the missed period, the little heart starts to beat. The majority of abortions (based on statistics) are performed between 8 to 10 weeks of pregnancy (three weeks after the missed period) and at this point, the fetus is recognisable as a small human. It has little arms and legs, fingers and toes and even moves around. Sonar scans show that the baby reacts to stimuli and can therefor feel pain.
I cannot justify killing a little life purely because it is 'inconvenient'. What is even more horrific is that there are a few abortions performed after the twelve week mark. A nurse friend told me that she had personally witnessed the abortion of a twenty two week fetus. The baby was born alive and even cried weakly. It was left to die unattended. It was enough to change her mind about abortion and she has refused to be involved in one ever again.
In spite of my strong personal views about abortion, I have compassion for those who've made this choice for whatever reason. I am not in judgement against anyone but it would not be my personal choice based on the reasons I've given. This poem was intended to inspire thought and possibly evoke some emotion.
Thanks again to all
Chanti
BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!! Spot on perfection--divinely, beautifully inspired/inspiring words; thank you!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
"Who could you be
if you were allowed life?"
A very powerful question, my friend. Very powerful.
A thousand hugs to you,
Tami
Love Tinka
echo those of God himself, for scripture verifies his high opinion
of even "those in the womb."
Your tender heart shows, as well as your poetic talents, in this
lovely piece!
It is a question that only the "self" can ever answer.
A thoughtful poem.
Elizabeth
Fee
Eileen