Poem of the Week: ‘The God of the Gym’ by Lando Hilton

3rd Place

‘Sudden Death Syndrome’ by Shannon Perry

My baby girl, she was so perfect,
On everyone who saw her, she had an effect,
With her big blue eyes and infectious smile,
Her beauty and grace made the labour worthwhile.

Beautiful locks of golden blonde hair,
Blowing softly in the wind filled air.
Everything was perfect, nothing could go wrong,
But I was very much mistaken all along.

For one morning I did wake with the sun in my eyes,
And checked on my baby as I couldn’t hear her cries.
As I walked over I knew something wasn’t right,
Her body was all floppy and her skin ice cold white.

I cradled her for what seemed like years,
I couldn’t even see her – my eyes were full of tears!
When eventually the paramedics arrived,
They told me “I’m sorry, she hasn’t survived.”

I collapsed on the floor in a heap,
heaving, hyperventilating and having a good weep.
Furthermore I blamed myself entirely,
I feel I should have kept an eye on her unrelentingly.

Now my baby is an angel,
and although it is painful,
she will be a free spirit,
and my love for her will still have no limit.

BIO: I am a 19 year old teenager who writes poetry for fun. I tend to write about things that I’ve never had experience of as it allows me to fully use my creativity. I also tend to write poems about things that matter the most to me, and topics that awareness needs to be raised for. Even if one person likes my poetry, that is enough for me! I’ve always wanted to be a writer – but not for cash. I will always write and share for free because as long as people enjoy it, that is all that matters to me.