Child of Mine

A giggle carried inland by the wind,

I stare out to sea

Blue eyes watch me

From the crest of a wave.

Marshmallow legs run through salty foam,

Erratic footsteps carry you to my side

You arrive as cherished as the world’s last ounce of hope.

And fall into my arms, hitting me with terrifying love.

I rock you gently to sleep in my arms

Breath in the bliss of our mutual belonging

Your tiny fingers a sing-song in my heart

Until a tsunami rises within

I see myself torn by sleeplessness and loss of self,

My life or yours?

My life or yours?

Now, you feel heavy in my arms

Though love has taken root.

You are too precious to bring into this waning world.

You wake, pure but knowing.

You have heard my fears

And climb down from my arms.

You walk then run into the spray,

Turn to me with a sagacious stare,

Before the tide pulls you backwards above the waves,

Toward a dazzling kaleidoscope of possibilities and colour.

I can no longer see you

But I feel you stare at me from a distant shore,

I’m uncertain I’ll ever reach.