For Zach

The first three months he wasn't there,
his infant eyes would blankly stare,
his parents thought he couldn't see,
and wrestled with anxiety.

I guess his soul then chose to stay,
suddenly, he was there one day,
his eyes met mine, he smiled and cooed,
and woke each day in a joyous mood.

My God, what a precious child was he!
And, oh, I loved him desperately.
On every night, he was held and rocked,
and ancient stories he was taught.

He learned the songs both Swiss and Scot,
which stirred deep memories long forgot.
This dear child's soul was old and wise,
you could see it in his eyes.

Blond hair in ringlets, truth be told,
as if by magic, spun from gold.
This beloved child is all grown now,
the years flew past, I wonder how.

I long to do it all once more,
to hold the child I so adored,
I hold, instead, the memories,
of Alpine hikes and deep blue seas.

And white-sand walks on Siesta Key,
of life so safe and trouble-free.
I see the man this child's become,
full of pride for Zach, my son.

I know my life of helplessness
because of him's not meaningless.
He's such a gift to humanity,
this child who ran beside the sea.

And I am awed and humbled, too:
I was only born to give birth to you.
So all my years of pain and strife
were worth it all, to give you life.


©Danielle White
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Hilliker Avatar
October 17, 2009 at 1:45 PM
Beautiful poem, Danielle! The ryhme and meter are great. It flows like a song.
Devonshire Avatar
October 10, 2009 at 11:01 PM
It sounds like your life has been tough in many ways, Danielle, but you focus on the joy little Zach brought to you. What a wonderful son he must be if all the "years of pain and strife were worth it all to give Zach life." Beautiful dedication to a bright spot in your life! Love, Carolyn
Brown Avatar
October 7, 2009 at 9:18 AM
Thank you for sharing your wonderful heartfelt poetry with us today Danielle. I enjoyed reading it. Love, Carol
Owens Avatar
October 6, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Zach's a lucky man to have a mother like you. My mother sounds a lot like you. I enjoyed your poem....Marty
Gorelick Avatar
October 6, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Hes a lucky man to have a mom that can express her feelings like this. Just beautiful. BG
Richards Avatar
October 6, 2009 at 1:50 PM
The love for your son, just pours from this beautiful poem, Danielle. A wonderful piece from a mother's heart! ~ Carrie
Kendrick Avatar
October 6, 2009 at 1:45 PM
I can feel the love and pride in this son. He is a fine man I am sure. Keep writing. Sara
Harper Avatar
October 6, 2009 at 1:10 PM
You must be a very good mother kudos to you....~$avannah~
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