I Love My Daughter

(A poem for my daughter’s birthday.)

The room was silent
The crib motionless.
Even Angels held their breath.
She lay – the epitome of beauty,
Giving a meaning to death.

Ne’er a single gasp
Of this sullied Earthly air
Defiled those tiny lungs.
Eyes wide open – yet
Blessed with immortal blindness.

For nine long months
Our happiness and expectations grew.
But on that final day, we knew
We had created perfection –
And now must bid her adieu.

The drunken Medic – in duty failing
Denied our child her right to thrive.
Nurse ensured that I survived – deprived.
Demon drink had taken its’ toll,
Ne’er would smile wrinkle our precious doll.

Anger soared – my strongest emotion.
Engulfing grief in a flood-tide ocean.
Then as we lay, arms entwined
Gazing in awe at that serene child
All mortal feelings ebbed away.

What had seemed our tragic loss,
Was merely the Heavens' gain.
Our own little Star to bright our night.
Our child was free of any sin,
And thus would ever remain.

As peace’s cloak enfolded us there
His father leaned to pass a fingered kiss
Then pulled up high our Angel’s shawl.
That tender gesture did not the child dismiss,
Rather it covered the Doctor’s remiss.

Later, as my lover lay in deep repose,
I moved the child to the adjoining room.
And sat there gazing in silent awe,
Then slowly rose: Placed my kiss, and closed the door.
She was no more – had never been – Yet always is…