A Father's Miscarriage Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Standing in the background, not really knowing what to do,
trying to hide his stark-naked feelings inside of himself.

Wanting to let go, cry and hug his wife - instead he stands
there bleeding alone inside.

Fear written in his eyes, a fear that everyone will think
it's all because of him.

Standing idly by as he watches his wife go through the pain
of a miscarriage all by herself.

Denying her the ability of talking to him about how she
feels, he steals away.

Outwardly, he doesn't even try to ease the sadness or show
he cares about her in any way.

Coldly standing aloof, trying to hide the shame he feels
inside, walking out and going to work.

Putting on his uniform of control, he can handle things
again, because he separates this other life - himself -
from thinking of it.

Being much too immature to become a father, needing to
learn how to be a husband first and to communicate with
his wife.