"Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and words that burn." ~Thomas Gray

"Poetry unites." ~Anon

"Truth is such a rare thing, it is delightful to tell it." ~Emily Dickinson


Written by Linda Stitt
She lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Her site: Linda's Passionate Intensity

Originally published in her book, Passionate Intensity,
published by Seraphim Editions in 2002

Abandonment

I was not done
with being your child;
I was still learning to love.
And it's all very well to say
I hold you in my heart
and that you teach me still,
by memory
and by the code that forms my flesh.
But there's an emptiness
too vast for my embrace.

Sometimes, I see your specter on the street
or seated with a cup of tea at hand
and, staggering with loss,
I move to take you in my arms,
to fit my cheek
into the hollow of your neck
and place my bulk
between the world
and your fragility.
But I cannot make you mine.
I cannot follow you
or bring you back
or, for my sins,
bestow your essence on another.

I could not have kept you,
ought not to bear the guilt
that taints my aimless grief,
do not begrudge you your release.
I let you go
and let you go
and let you go.
On my deathbed,
I shall forgive you.

Posted with consent of the writer.

6 Comments:

  1. Dreams_In_The_Distance said...
    The emotion is palpable ... I am moved to tears ... your powerful concluding lines leave me in awe ... This piece has had quite an impact on me ... beautifully done ~ Elizabeth
    WHY? said...
    A beautiful and extremely touching piece of writing!
    Anonymous said...
    "that taints my aimless grief",--ha! brilliant..a pain that merely floats about like a wraith. I like this piece.

    Ever Yours,
    Clayrn Darrow
    M.IV
    T.bLU
    D.Repository.
    K.Lawson Gilbert said...
    Wow! Poignant, tender yet strong, so eloquently written. I admire this piece very much. KLG
    Donna said...
    Oh, how this breaks my heart:

    " move to take you in my arms,
    to fit my cheek
    into the hollow of your neck
    and place my bulk
    between the world
    and your fragility.

    This describes so well the unconditional love of a child...
    Karen said...
    This one is heartbreaking. Beautifully rendered.

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