Athena

As I lay in the hospital bed holding my daughter, I am alone.
I can't tell you where anyone was.
Earlier that day everyone had been there.
My best friend Holly, who was my coach.
Al and Athena's dad wasn't stable enough at the time, but he was there when she was born.
His father, stepmother and brother.
But now I am alone with my daughter, and the realization that these people think I have intentionally harmed her.
I am trying to figure out what to do next, how I could get the window open and spidey down nine stories to escape with my baby, when the social worker enters the room again.
She tells me that a police officer is going to come in and interview me, then he will decide whether or not Athena is taken into protective custody.
(A police officer? What do they think I've done for gods sake?)
I keep asking them to please test me, but they don't.
They tell me all that matters is that Athena has tested positive for benzodiazapines, is in withdrawls from them, and that's enough.
I ask her, if that's the case then why aren't you doing something for her medically?
They inform me they can't legally unless she is taken into custody.
There is nothing wrong with my daughter, she is sleeping peacefully in my arms.
Any minute Rod Serling will walk out of the bathroom, or Allen Funt...no wait not Allen Funt.
The policeman walks in and he's the size of Mt. Olympus.
I can't tell you what he asked me, but it wasn't the kind of questions that would help an individual determine if one was fit, or dangerous, or for that matter even intoxicated or altered in any way.
That's all I could think was they thought I was strung out on downers, abusing with no concern for the life growing within.
As if addiction gives a shit about maternal instincts.
He walks out.
They walk in.
She informs me that yes in fact, the officer does feel it's in Athena's best interest to be in protective custody. He is standing next to her.
I wanted to grab the rail of the bed to steady myself, but knew if I didnt have both hands wrapped around my daughter they might grab her.
They tell me they are taking her to the nursery to receive treatment now, and I need to "let go of the baby ma'am" (I could just push "it" out)
The siren from an approaching ambulance drills into my brain.
I dont want it to wake Athena,
oh please dont wake Athena so she doesnt know whats happening here.
Her eyelids flutter, and she purses her lips.
The siren, tell them to shut off the GD siren!
The huge officer moves toward us as the siren breaks her slumber, leaving an indelible image somewhere on that newborn map.
She is screaming now, in tandem with the siren and I have forgotten how to use my arms.
He reaches down and deftly lifts her tiny frame, as if he's done this inumerable times before.
He does not say a word.
They walk out of the room like a happy new family,
and again I am alone,
the siren louder still.