My Child

They stole her, my child
not in the night’s shadow
like most thieves
but in the light of day
under the blazing sun
with the laughter of children
dancing on the cool breeze.

Where did she go
This child of mine
I look everywhere
only to find
she is not there.

The days drag on
the nights are unbearably lonely
As I wait for her to discover
where she came from and why she is here.

She returns in uncertain remembrance
of who I am;
She looks at me in wonder
of another time and place;
My pain erupts as I embrace her
inhaling the essence of this woman, my child.

Michael has suggested that Jackie’s square and mine be put side by side on the monument. With that goal in mind, I will complete this project knowing that Jackie and I are now together and will be forever.

Agony washes the walls of the monument
we worked in fear and shame
afraid to shape our tender feelings
afraid there was nothing to gain

We stand together
looking at where we have been
hoping for better days now
because we shared in the dream


Sue Turner