In my day you couldn't just go to the drugstore for a pregnancy test....
It was the third day of June
Maybe the fourth, it’s hard to remember
But I remember how scared I was
The year I turned 15
And the rabbit died
Sure it’s always sad when an animal dies
But this rabbit was a special one
And its death was an omen
Of change to come
My life was never going to be the same
I was going to be a mother
Probably not a good mother
I hadn’t even learned to be a teen yet
But a mother I was to be
Unless the rabbit died in vain
I was so scared I shook with terror
Even with the ignorance
Of my less than sixteen years
I knew enough to be scared
Of the years and pain to come
But I promised myself and my baby boy
That I would never ever be sorry
That the rabbit had died
On that day in June
And to this day
I have never been sorry
For the gift of my son John
And the rabbit who gave its life
To tell me of his birth
I've just been given hell (at another site where giving people hell is still allowed) for criticising the Catholic and Christian Fundamentalist stances on contraception and sex education. i wish I had read your poem before dealing with my critics because I would have liked to quote to them:
"My life was never going to be the same
I was going to be a mother
Probably not a good mother
I hadn’t even learned to be a teen yet"
Its no good telling people not to 'do it' because chastity is not part of the human condition and the story of this poem will continue to be repeated over and over.
I like the way your poem captures those teenage emotions and the way you reflect on the consequences. Unfortunately it does not always turn out OK.
best
Ian
Told in a way that only you could, Sue... one that just blows our minds and our sox off! Such tenderness and such pain... a staggering balance of optimism and regret. Not many could even SEE this link poetically, let alone be able to express it in such a mind-grabbing and emotion-stirring way. You are one exceptional lady, and I salute you both as extraordinary person and writer. TY and Bless you, Kate xx
This is so touching.
I have a few rabbit guests in the back yard from time to time, and I pick up carrots once in a while to throw out there.
I'll be more thankful for those fancy new tests.
And I'm thankful there is such a loving mother out there.
You.
John
Sue you are so brave and honest! Bless you and be
proud of your decision to never regret it.Bravo!
Wonderful poetry!
Eileen
Reviewed by Tracey L. O' Very (Reader)
Reviewed on April 13, 2005
A very true and Emotional poem. The fear of babies having babies.
This is a Wonderful Heartfelt and Heartwarming Tribute to John and the rabbit.
Only happy loving and fun days for the two of you!(c:)
Tracey
Reviewed by Tiana ~ (Reader)
Reviewed on April 13, 2005
This write moved me deeply, Sue. I was the same age with my first son and 21 with 4 boys. I made the same promise to each of my son's and I have been so richly blessed. Children are our greatest gifts that we'll always treasure ... Beautiful heart touching poem!
Oh Sue this is so well worded...Marvelous. How much you must love your son...it's the surprises that are sometimes the best gifts of all. Blessings, Michelle
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"My life was never going to be the same
I was going to be a mother
Probably not a good mother
I hadn’t even learned to be a teen yet"
Its no good telling people not to 'do it' because chastity is not part of the human condition and the story of this poem will continue to be repeated over and over.
I like the way your poem captures those teenage emotions and the way you reflect on the consequences. Unfortunately it does not always turn out OK.
best
Ian
Well Penned
enjoyed much
William ....Peace & Love
So good Sue.
love Tinka
I have a few rabbit guests in the back yard from time to time, and I pick up carrots once in a while to throw out there.
I'll be more thankful for those fancy new tests.
And I'm thankful there is such a loving mother out there.
You.
John
Love&Light*
Alexandra*
Reg
proud of your decision to never regret it.Bravo!
Wonderful poetry!
Eileen
This is a Wonderful Heartfelt and Heartwarming Tribute to John and the rabbit.
Only happy loving and fun days for the two of you!(c:)
Tracey
Reindeer
"...But a mother I was to be
Unless the rabbit died in vain...."
Nope. Look what you got for its sacrifice: a fine, healthy son. :)
Bet you ain't regretted it since. GOOD ON YOU!
A beautiful write--enjoyed
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. :)
Felix