He Was a Child Once, Too

He Was a Child Once, Too

He was a child once, too—
before the dusk outgrew the dawn,
before his little hands knew
how much a heart could carry on.

A face once lived beyond his sight,
then slipped away from memory’s light;
and childhood, like a fading tune,
grew quiet beneath a borrowed moon.

He became a roof in someone’s rain,
a little warmth against their pain;
he gave his flame so others could see,
while darkness kept a place for him silently.

He wore the years like a borrowed coat,
kept every storm inside his throat;
and though the world saw strength in him,
I know the child still lives within.

To me, that man is not merely strong—
he is the real hero of my life.

I love you, Abu.

— Zehreen
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

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Agustin Avatar
September 19, 2026 at 6:23 AM
Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Welcome to Poetry Soup. I welcome you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.
Smith  Avatar
September 17, 2026 at 7:17 PM
A deeply moving free-verse tribute, shaped by tender repetition, gentle rhyme, and luminous imagery. The progression from the father’s lost childhood to his quiet, steadfast care for others gives the poem real emotional weight, while “I love you, Abu” provides a beautifully direct, heartfelt close.
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