Child of Mine

A poem about the loss of my son

I'll lend to you for a little time,
a child of mine, He said.
For you to care for while he lives,
and mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years,
or days, just two or three.
But will you, until I call him back,
take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charm to gladden you,
and shall his stay be brief,
you'll have his loving memories 
as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from Earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.

I've searched the wide world over
for families that would do.
And from the depths of crowded life,
I have selected you.

Please give him all your love.
And don't think the labor vain.
Don't hate me when I come to call
to take him home again.

Unknowingly, I replied,
"Dear Lord, it shall be done."
For all the joys this child shall bring,
the risk of grief I'll run.

I'll shelter him with tenderness.
I'll love him while I may.
And in my heart, the happiness
he brought to me shall stay.

But should the angels call for him
much sooner than I've planned,
I'll brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.

Reviews

[CommandoDolphin]

That poem was absolutely gorgeous on visual and mental levels. The flow was was wonderful throughout. And that the Lord looking down for a suitable family for the child could bring tears to ones eyes. Sometimes grief is something we must face in all of our experiences. Well done in writing this.

[Alias]

This is absolutely beautiful, so powerful and poignant. Every parent should love their child this way. It's subtle and it's sweet and it says so much.
I can't articulate how beautiful yet sad this is to me.

[KarMarBar]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[Southern_Writes]

I am literally crying. I lost my brother....my baby brother, when he was 19. He was wild, cry and so full of love and passion. After five years the pain is so raw and alive...

[KarMarBar]

Aww, sorry I made you cry. My son passed in 2009 and I still have bad days. I'm sure I always will. You probably will too, in regards to the passing of your baby brother. However, although we'll always have bad days, we will come to a place of acceptance. I am so happy to have touched someone with this poem, its my favorite of my own poetry because its about my deceased son and I wrote it when I was in such a raw place emotionally. Thank you so much for reading this!!

[Davina]

I thought this was beautifully written. As a mother it evoked for me a real sense of sadness and regret but also appreciation for the wonderful joy our children bring to us.