A Mother Who Thought She Had Failed

Children came up missing but it never concerned her before. 
Two days after her son vanished, her feelings were churning 
Her world crashed when she realized he was not returning
She had not paid attention when he walked out the door

He was fifteen, a baby, where would he go? His phone was missing.
She was numb, shocked, stunned. She did not think it could happen to her.
Her baby was missing. Grief was setting in, giving her a horrible stir. 
There had been no texts after midnight, said the girl he’d been kissing.

The police were suspicious; questioned her down at the station
What had he been wearing when he had left her house Friday night?
Madelyn had no idea. The front door had been out of her sight. 
She had not known any of the answers about her first born creation.

She was a horrible mother; she sobbed and keened and wailed.
He did not come home; he did never call, text or return. 
Her stomach aches were worse, they gave her a horrible churn. 
At the end of twenty years, she felt like a mother who had quite simply failed. 

Written 8-3-2020
Contest: Be Inspired
Sponsor: Regina McIntosh
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Watt Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 10:59 AM
This brings a lump to my throat, Caren. Every parent's worst nightmare. Terrible to endure a missing child for any number of minutes or hours, but I just can't imagine what those parents go through who are never able to have closure. Great write, Caren. Congrats on your win! Hugs ~ John
Krutsinger Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 7:21 PM
I cannot imagine either. As I hear mothers tell their stories I still cannot imagine.
Canerdy Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 7:27 AM
CONGRATS on your well-deserved win, Caren! So heart-wrenching! Janice
Krutsinger Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 9:40 AM
Thank you Janice. I know some mothers whose children have gone missing. It is heart wrenching the rest of their lives.
Mcintosh Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 4:54 AM
A inspiration for sure. God bless you and congrats on your top placement. Love and prayers sent your way
Krutsinger Avatar
August 15, 2020 at 9:41 AM
Thank you Regina. It is not me thank the Good Lord, but it is many others.
Rigoler Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 4:54 AM
Parenthood is not for everyone. Attempting to guide another's life for the better is a scary undertaking and for many parents it's a hit and miss disaster. / M
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