April 19, 1995



Frail shadow stilled in time amidst the dust,
Her silent form from earth's embrace I trust.
Just now past the point where I can revive
The burden I bear to wear Number Five.

Whispering soft words I know she can’t hear,
My silent prayer that won’t quell my fear.
Wet trails of sorrow mark a weary face
For innocence lost; the countless embrace.

Holding her close, a heartbreaking sight,
Her final guardian; her gentle knight.
Angel host awaits their presence I hear
Offering their comfort as they draw near

Bound by chemical immortality
On film, the moment of finality
The babe I cradle, in memory she lives
She now becomes far more than I can give.

A symbol of loss, of hope and sorrow
The day that for her there was no tomorrow
I carry her forth, through rubble and flame,
A vow unspoken, to honor her name.

About this poem

My poem, "His Eyes, An Ode to Baylee Almon," was written about the Oklahoma City bombing. It was told from the perspective of the toddler, Baylee Almon, who is the girl being carried by fireman Chris Fields in the now famous picture of the event. But, I always wanted to tell the story from Chris' point of view. Unfortunately, because of the intense sadness I still feel about the death of Baylee, it was not until recently that I could undertake the task. But, today I finished it finally. WARNING: Content in this poem may be difficult for some readers. 

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Written on March 24, 2024

Submitted by Nebula7693 on March 24, 2024

49 sec read
13

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABB CDEE FFCD GGXX HHII
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 817
Words 163
Stanzas 5
Stanza Lengths 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Robert Rowe

 · 1967 · Agana, Guam

Robert was born. He lives today. Some tomorrow he will die. His impact on history will be forgotten the day after his funeral. more…

All Robert Rowe poems | Robert Rowe Books

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2 Comments
  • thornebelee
    I like your style, my friend
    LikeReply9 months ago
    • Nebula7693
      Thank you for your comment. I appreciate the feedback.
      LikeReply9 months ago
  • amandak.45897
    Wow. Nothing but heart. Great poem!!
    LikeReply9 months ago
    • Nebula7693
      Thank you. Your feedback is appreciated.
      LikeReply9 months ago
    • amandak.45897
      Your welcome
      LikeReply9 months ago

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"April 19, 1995" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Dec. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/183657/april-19,-1995>.

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