The pain here is very heavy and I give you props for writing your heart out. The message here is unbearable and that is the loss of a loved one, a child even. You were very blunt in your words. There is nothing that can take back this terrible tragedy but here you almost seem to forgive. Like you are finally learning to move on, knowing that you are there and will always remember.

Also. At the end of the poem I love the word tattooed. The memories will always be clear and colorful and always there to remind you of good times like a tattoo. Beautiful write again. :)

Oh Darren I remember this poem. Wish I had saved my comments in your poetry.

Although it is a sad poem, and heartbreaking to read, it was, and still is, my favourite poem of yours.

X

Congratulations for being chosen to share this heart wrenching poem on the front page. It tore me apart in ways that I didn't know how to accept or understand. I'm so sorry for your loss, even though I know no amount of words can ever dull that pain of losing your baby girl.

Sometimes I think poetry is too raw and too emotional to break down (this is one) but I always want to... I always want to share my thoughts and feelings with the poet. It's kind of like a process for me, breaking down each line/stanza and really 'feeling' the words. I hope you don't mind!

You will never forget her. Even though she never fully entered this world, she impacted your world in a way that no one else could. She will always be apart of your life through memories of what she could be today and what joy she would have added to your life.

No matter how many times people say "it wasn't meant to be" or other things that people say to try to make you feel better... it never helps. They have good intentions but that was your daughter and no one can understand the pain unless they have been through it themselves.

She visits you in dreams and warns you of dangers ahead, protecting you from above and maybe she even consoles you, telling you not to worry about her, that she's okay.

I love the fourth stanza so much. It is possible to be proud of your daughter, for who she could have been if given the opportunity. You are proud just to be called her father.

I'm crying but the ending is beautiful. She may not be in any of the photo albums or her name may not be written on greeting cards, but she is there... always will be, in your heart.

I couldn't imagine what you and your family went through during that time, so I won't try to act like I do. I just know your words touched me and my prayers are with you to find peace in some way.

More grease to your elbows

Man that's very emotional
you got me crying my heart out

Very sorry this is late but it truly touches me you could share this. I am deeply sorry for your loss and can't imagine losing someone in the family. She will be in your hearts forever I'm sure. And through this poem her memory, and your joy as a father, lives on.

Beautiful beyond words, Darren. Congratulations on the front page win.

Judging Comment:

This poem nailed me from the start. Having been
through a situation like this, the pain of loss floods
my memory again. I also like the sentiments shared
by a father for his daughter and that makes the
poem more alive and touching. The ending line in
this poem, "I have your memories tattooed onto my
soul." goes to show that no matter how many years
go by that particular loss will never depart from a
parents heart. Giving a point for such a poem makes
me feel uncomfortable because loss cannot be labeled judged or prized.

A beautiful poem really touched my heart

Darren, this is such a sad piece.

Beautifully written full of emotion from the depths of the soul. The loss of a child is great.

I'm sorry you had to go through this and still do each day.

Em

A sad piece that touched my heart deeply. The gift of a daughter is priceless. I know it so well having one. The first stanza broke me, asking what she could have added into your life. I know there are what-ifs but everything still happens for a reason. Blessings.

I don’t have any baby, so I don’t know what must be the feeling of conceiving and losing it..... it’s moved me so deeply brought some precious tears in my eyes.

Wonderful express of emotions dear my prayers for your family.

Love Khadz

So beautifully expressed. This poem will help many people. Thank you for sharing.