Saturday, August 7, 2010

Pregnant Pause

The news hits
and for a time there is
nothing.
You count the seconds
in your head.
One.
Two.
Three.

Her voice,
a dim crackle.
Tears well
excitement,
fear,
sadness
(sometimes a lot
sometimes a little)

As the world floods back
you are hit by
another realization:
You are not the only
person that matters.
The cycle repeats.

4 comments:

Chris Andrews said...

Sorry I'm late. I just think that the term pregnant pause is funny and it makes me think of the stereotypical panic that dudes get when they find out they're having a kid.

Edward Yoo said...

So this isn't autobiography of very recent events? Or are congratulations in order, sir?

The seconds counting is well presented, emphasizing the phenomenon of time slowing at this moment.

I also like the idea presented in the final stanza. It rings of truth when I look at my brother, who, after becoming of father, became far more compassionate and less obsessed with his own ambitions.

Chris Andrews said...

No man. I'm pretty sure that we're one and done. I appreciate the kind words.

Brandi Kary said...

The use of second person works well here. There is a sort off panic and a pause--and the second person has a story telling quality to that. You capture the truth about the ordeal as well as the mixed emotions.