Two sides of Infertility

How could you ever understand
the wonder of the womb?
The burning need to procreate
that will your soul consume.

You stand there with your stalwart thighs
and the lance that rests between
acting like a child is just
a means to pass your genes.

Who are you to judge my moods;
and deem them not worth aid?
While I curl upon my barren bed
by my body, and you, betrayed.

You judge me weak and worthless
and call yourself a man,
While I suffer and wreathe from a woman’s pain
and long for a comforting hand.

I weep not only for the loss
of the child I’ll never bare
I also mourn the loss of faith
in the love that you declare.

How could you stand to watch me fall
and never reach for me?
In your scorn, you made me feel
Like just so much debris.

Alone, I pull my shattered world
Heart empty ~ as my womb…
into a private place inside,
as I leave our ravaged room.



Patricia Gibson-Williams
February 11, 2005


Your fingers trail across my flesh
to caress my silhouette
The awe that flashes in your smile
insures you’ve no regret.

The long hard years of trying
and thousands that we’ve spent
on doctors, drugs and treatments
their loss you don’t lament

It was worth this single moment
the first movement of our child
your hand upon my abdomen
already you’re beguiled

I see the love wash over you
The knowledge we’ve created
a miracle so precious
well worth the time we waited

You wrap your arms around us
and whisper I love you.
My soul glows even brighter
because I know it’s true.


Patricia Gibson-Williams
February 12, 2005