If NICU Walls Could Talk

If NICU walls could talk,

they may first speak of doubt and fear,

But if you stick around a while,

you’ll find there’s much more to hear.

–

The walls would speak of heavy heartbreak,

unfathomable to most,

But also, of the miracles

 those rooms are privileged to host.

–

Within those walls,

anticipation lurks with each new procedure and test,

Oh, how sweet is the relief that’s felt,

 when the outcomes are at best.

–

Hope is held within one’s heart

 when things are going well,

But disappointment swiftly enters

 when there’s another frightening spell.

–

There’s defeat and then there’s victory,

and round and round it goes,

Parents try to shield their hearts

 from all the highs and lows.

–

A blissful scene of calm and beauty

can quickly turn to chaos,

Reminding their littles they must breathe

 before their life is lost.

–

A sacred dance of grief and joy

 within each room takes place,

A circumstance no one would choose,

 but these parents are forced to embrace.

–

Frustration, anger, and confusion,

expressed through the language of tears,

Melt away with the grace of a smile,

even laughter is medicine here.

–

Surely, you can see this NICU roller-coaster,

 is one no parent ever hoped to ride,

but this journey is one they’d never trade,

 for what it built inside.

–

It’s here, within these walls,

they learn the depth of love

and all it’s conquering power.

For when a love like this exists,

 doubt and fear it will devour.

–

Within the 4 walls of a NICU room,

 a training’s taking place,

The babies and the parents too,

 overcome each obstacle they face.

–

Inside these walls, faith grows strong,

and courage soon develops,

For showing up when they’re afraid,

 feels like a mountain they must climb up.

–

Yes, if NICU walls could talk,

they’d tell you when those families exit,

Out from their room walks a band of soldiers

that refused to surrender or quit.

written by

Melissa S. Kirsch