The Only Survivor (Prose) Poem by Heather Burns

When I looked upon your tiny
delicate face, pressed my
lips gently against a soft
cheek. Tickled your chin, you
looked up and smiled.
At that moment I knew God had
stormed heaven seeking for me
one of his most precious rose
buds.

As weeks turned to months,
months to years, my first
impression of you was correct.
Do you remember that terrible
accident so long ago? Bodies
thrown upon the highway, blood
flowing freely. The smell of
death was everywhere. Out of
all that chaos, you stood up
and walked away.

The only survivor.

I know in my heart of hearts,
God looked down, and saw you in
distress. Thinking, I must protect
protect my rosebud from harm.
Suddenly the phone rang, my heart
began to quiver. Then a voice
quietly said, 'Leah is safe.'
I am eternally grateful for you.
You are my mainstay, my
daughter, my first love.