For a Lily

For a Lily

Flower ---

full,

fragrant,

favored.



Flower ---

fresh,

fading,

fallen.



Flower forgotten ---

failing,

fouling.

A flower forfeited in a forgetful field.



The flower's flavor

forsaken ---

forever ---

Saved for One to Savor.



Oh, breathe the flower-scented Silence,

inexorable science.

This sweet, Floral Essence



must Transform my Senses.
by Alison Kovac
June 21, 2013

Today's subject is difficult to write about. It is about the emotional heartache that lingers after the loss of a pregnancy; the overwhelming longing and sadness for a family member who could never be known. As a society, we mourn with women who've suffered such losses, but since we don't know what words could ever offer comfort we remain silent. And in the past, the mothers also shrouded their pain with silence. 

You're probably wondering why I am writing about such a heavy issue. It is because two very special women dear to my heart are suffering the pain of empty arms. They are expressing their sadness and depression and reaching out for comfort and understanding. 

A year ago  today, July 1, 2012, my cousin, Alison Phillips Kovac, and her husband and family suffered a life-changing loss when Alison's pregnancy came to an abrupt end at about 16 weeks gestation.  

 

Struck by a remarkable level of callousness, inconsideration and even lack of professionalism that she encountered within the medical community during the miscarriage and its aftermath, Alison has become committed to taking small steps to raise awareness concerning a common but significant experience that may touch the lives of as many as half of all women.

Recently Alison sent me the poem she wrote coinciding with the year anniversary of what continues to be a significant date in her personal history.   She titled the poem "For a Lily". In thinking about creating an image that would visualize Alison's words, I did not have to look far. A pure white lily is in full bloom right outside my kitchen window. Recent rain left strings of embryonic tears on the stems. 

If you have a loved one whom you think Alison's story would give comfort, please feel free to send them the link to today's post.

Alison grew up in rural Crawford County. Tomorrow's post is about how her country upbringing has influenced her adult lifestyle.

Marcheta *offering comfort