Andrew Lafleche
Andrew Lafleche is an award-winning poet and author of six books. His work uses a spoken style of language to blend social criticism, philosophical reflection, explicit prose, and black comedy. Andrew enlisted in the Army in 2007 and received an honorable discharge in 2014. Visit www.AJLafleche.com for more information.
lost angels
five-thirty in the morning
Wednesday, this
thirtieth of may
tri-layered clouds
consume the sky above
blackens the early light
impossible to stay
the ominous familiarity:
I’ve been here before
only it was eight
years ago, middle of the night
half way around the world
thirtieth of July
eight days before he died.
she’s in labor now
doctor tells her push
says the cord is wrapped
twice around his neck
says she really has to push
this time
the boy is blue
neck limp, breathless
flash back to then:
his last breath in my arms
she doesn’t recognize
the mortality of what
may be below the place
she lies exhausted from
delivery
color draining
from corners of sight
holding my own breath
until he gasps
a child’s first cry
passed to the one
who gave him life
her and I holding tight
the three of us
maybe the rains are here
to wash it all away
maybe the rains are nothing
Sheila-Na-Gig online 