Life & Death & Life Poem by Jim Yerman

Have you heard the story of Katie Ogg who received the news all mothers dread
When her premature babies were born she was told one of them was dead.

Emily and Jamie were to be the names they’d pin their hopes and dreams on
But in an instant Emily was alive and kicking while, Jamie, her twin, was gone.

I wonder if we can fully comprehend this moment, it’s dichotomy or its scope
One baby born alive and noisy the other silent...without hope.

Katie wanted to tell Jamie, that he was loved and blessed
So she unwrapped all 2 pounds of him and held him to her chest.

It’s called Kangaroo Care and is a technique many hospitals now apply
But Katie used it for another purpose...as a way to say goodbye

Katie’s husband, David, climbed in next to them, he wanted Jamie to feel his dad
If they had to say goodbye they were going to savor what little time they had.

The doctor and nurses who were in the room all quietly receded
Trying to give this grieving family the space and time it needed.

For 2 hours they held him close with Jamie and mommy skin-to-skin
They told him about his family, they stroked his little chin.

When Jamie made a little gasp Katie wondered if perhaps he wasn’t dead
“Please don’t get your hopes up, that’s a normal reflex.” Her doctor said.

Katie took some breast milk and placed it on her fingertips
Then, as is a mother’s nature, brought it to her baby’s lips.

“I think he’s breathing.” Katie said to everyone’s surprise
And the doctor finally believed her when Jamie opened up his eyes.

“It’s a miracle.” The doctor proclaimed...Jamie was breathing normally
And today Katie, David and the twins are a happy family.

Death looms around every corner, every bedroom, every hall
He’s never in a hurry for he knows eventually he’ll take us all.

In a world where we have no idea when death will next attack
Isn’t it nice to know, every now and then, death will give one back?