[doinit4me]

This is something that I wrote when I was 23 years old. Before kids, before marriage. I wrote this when I'd learned that my cousin's child had passed due to SIDS.
Initially, my amom felt that it was too much for my cousin at the time so I placed it in my filing cabinet. My aunt (my cousin's mother) came into town this past week and as I was going to visit her I decided it was time to give this to her.

As I read it again, I realized that this could be for any mother who had suffered a loss of a child whether by death, adoption etc. So I decided to put it here. As this was something that I'd written for my cousin, I never felt the need to place a title on it until now. I hope you like it.

THE LOST CHILD

In a chair by the window she gently rocks and listens for the soft sound of breathing.
Within the air is lightly perfumed with the sweet scents of youth.

She sings a soft tune to the sleeping bundle, careful not to awaken him.
Holding him as if to guard him against the world. In her arms is where he is safe.

If she were to concentrate, she can feel his heart beat blend with hers.
Ever so gently she holds her bundle, wrapped lovingly in a warm blanket.

Then gently, oh so gently, she stands up and places her bundle in the crib.
The soft colors and hushed sounds seem a mockery of what is now.

As she slowly starts to close the door, she turns for one last look.
An empty room is all that remains of the life that once was.

With tears in her eyes she leaves the room. Once filled with joy, now turned into memories.
Memories of a young soul that once dwelled here.

[escottswanson]

very sad and yet beautiful poem

thanks!

[Rose Ekerholm]

Beautiful tribute for your cousin in remembrance of her 'lost child.'