POETRY

The loss of a child.

The first time we went to that park
Not a parent in sight
I was confused
It was almost night!

When I said it was home time
"Mumma! Why?!" You cried
As I pulled you along, you tugged
You struggled, I sighed

Still pouting,
You finally got in
Through my door, into the back
I'll count that as a win!

When we walked into our home
I frowned as you ran to your room
My eyes caught sight of the flier
"Car Repairs!" Glittered in the gloom

When you came down the next day
We went to that park
You walked with a slight limp
But made no remark

As you play,
My eyes water more
I'd have to give you up
I hadn't thought about that before

At the end of that day,
You came up, holding a hand
I looked up at the man and said;
"I understand."

The man gave a smile
Death looked at me, and finally I knew
I welcomed him
And, my child, I let go of you

As my hand brushed the side of your head
The white scar lining the indent
As I held my child for the last time
No-one will ever know how much that meant

And sometimes I cry
At the thought
That the truck that struck us that night
Took away the child I sought

                                                         -Cadence James