DARKNESS AT NOON

She longed for a child of her own
Her marriage was perfect 
Unlike the roller coaster relationships 
Of those in her small town 
They were inseparable 

After five years of trying to get pregnant 
And several tests and operations 
The ultrasound made her laugh uncontrollably 
A miracle had occurred 

On the day of her celebration 
She called her mother with the good news 
An unknown voice answered 
In minutes her joy was turned into sorrow 
Mom had suffered a massive heart attack
Her eyes would never see 
Her long awaited grandchild 

As her husband raced to the hospital 
To celebrate this joyous occasion 
With two dozen roses cuffed in his hand 
An out of control motorist jumped the curb 
Striking the overjoyed dad in his head 
He made it to the hospital as a comatose patient 

She was devastated 
Her world were crumbling before her eyes 
This cannot be happening she exclaimed 
At that moment news came 
That her husband had died

She rolled off the bed to her knees 
Her hands she washed in her tears 
That day her life was torn apart 
But she found comfort 
In the beating of that tiny heart.

Wilford Barker.