Return to Top of Page
Menu
  • Close
  • About Us
  • Past Issues
  • Contributors
  • Donate
  • Opportunities
  • Staff
  • Submissions
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Search Website
Literary Mama
  • Current Issue
  • Archives
  • Departments
  • Blog
Flowers arranged in bottles
Photo by James Cousins on Unsplash

Poetry | May/June 2022

Stillbirth Stories

By Courtney Harler

The mentor said, "I do not care for your stillbirth stories."
First of all, lady, he wasn't born dead. He lived. He lived.
 
The sci-fi writer said, "You'll find a market for your tears."
First of all, dude, your heart may be stone, but mine is not.
 
I do not write to appease you, my readers, or market myself.
I write because my baby boy left me, before his proper time.
 
I write because nine months, on the inside, is enough to know.
Even if sixty-two minutes, on machines, on the outside, is not.

          Keywords: stillbirth stories, he lived, market-stone,
          appease you, left me, inside-outside

5 replies on “Stillbirth Stories”

Kathy Theresa Ponsays:
May 24, 2022 at 6:14 pm

Thank you, for your words of piercing love for a baby boy who left you, for sharing a love you so intimately know.

Reply
Courtney Harlersays:
May 29, 2022 at 2:20 pm

Thanks for reading and responding, Kathy. Your support means the world.

Reply
Elizabeth Jannuzzisays:
June 8, 2022 at 8:47 am

Oh Courtney. Thank you for sharing this. Powerful piece about why we writers write. I had a strong reaction to the first line.

Reply
Courtney Harlersays:
June 8, 2022 at 11:05 am

Thank you for reading and responding, Liz. Fellow writer and mother, I am so grateful for your feedback and support.

Reply
Andysays:
July 5, 2022 at 7:06 pm

Wow

Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share This Page

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Copy Link

Courtney Harler

Learn More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Don't miss out on Literary Mama news and updates

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • RSS

© 2022 Literary Mama | Search Site | About Us | Staff | Submissions | Privacy Policy