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My Son I Still Sing To

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My Son I Still Sing To

Daniel Henry Rodgers

"In every empty cradle, there is a lifetime of untold stories." - Poet

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My Dear Son, It’s March I can already hear you— small feet like birds’ wings fluttering through the air skipping, hopping, laughing chasing me chasing you your laughter— a chorus that fills the house sharp and sweet as a bell tugging at the edges of the room….. Futures are fragile held like a delicate orchid between cupped hands— I see you!! your hair tangled with the wind. arms like branches reaching for the sky. legs slicing through the grass running for the ball learning the rhythm of joy in motion. We’ll play music too… piano keys— tiny doors to a world waiting. fingers dancing across them like sunlight on water pressing them into song. and guitar strings will sing beneath your touch interpreting the language of the heart. Sunday mornings we’ll rise before dawn— your hand so small, so warm in mine the familiar scent of old pews and stale coffee sinking into the fabric of us. the patter of prayers folding around us like a blanket— a comfort that stretches through time. In the classroom you’ll grow— from crayons to calculus sharpening your mind with each lesson. your friends gathered like stars in the night their laughter a river carrying you through the days. Grade School to High School— you’ll be a tree. stretching skyward. roots buried in lessons limbs bent by storms of youth. your voice breaking with the winds of change. a menagerie of mistakes and triumphs. your heart— a map of moments lived. College will come. your first taste of freedom— the world opening before you a horizon wide with possibilities. and maybe you’ll meet her— the one whose love will wrap you in warmth and wildness who will become your center as your hands build a future from hope. And you’ll work. laying each stone turning ambition into action a foundation strong enough to hold the weight of dreams. Maybe, one day I’ll hold your child— tiny fingers curling around mine feeling the weight of their promise. a new life already dreaming of the future. and in time your children’s children will run— their laughter like rain on dry soil filling the earth with memories. a forever legacy from your heart to theirs….. But none of that will happen None of it— Because I... / because we... / decided... together... to keep you from the world. to fulfill our dreams apart… where you’ll never feel the sun’s kiss. never taste the first drop of rain. never feel a snowflake touch your nose….. never take a step… never laugh… never run… never / but now, but n o w… but n o w— I’m lost in the weight of it and I don’t know how to make it right I— O’ My Dear God!! what have I done? I’m so sorry, my precious son. I thought I could hold you in my hands but now, I’ve let you go… I believed I was saving you. but now, but… but I ~see empty ~cradle... and nothing else. O’!! where your breath should have been… Please forgive me Please forgive us Jesus PLEASE…. …Do You Hear Me—

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Mat Ignacio

Date: 4/6/2025 6:46:00 PM

absolutely heart wrenching - your empathetic nature towards everyone here in light of this, I admire you all the more on many levels

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 4/9/2025 6:08:00 AM

Hello Mat, Thank you, friend. I have never written about my experience of going through this until now. Although I worked through this years ago, writing the poem still brought many a tear. I know God has forgiven me! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

I Am Anaya

Date: 3/24/2025 8:24:00 AM

This is a touching story, soulful and giving. Powerful and humbling piece delineating a precious life with love and devotion a narrative of what should've been. Your unique display using slashes, dots, and shapes aligns with the emotional pleas like notes on music sheets. A loving father's cries, (He) listens alongside as the witness reads. A humbling and brave testimony, Daniel. Ty for sharing ~xhugs poet

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/25/2025 11:37:00 AM

Dear Anaya, I feel so blessed by you today, which fills my spirit immensely. How could I not be thankful! :) This poem is my very first poem about this tragic event that left me sad and depressed for years, worrying about my/our decision. I worked through it years ago but it has taught my heart to sing and I know my Lord is gracious and forgiving. I am also so blessed to have you as such an insightful and empathetic friend. Spring Blessings, Anaya, Daniel

Gary Radice

Date: 3/19/2025 11:23:00 PM

Daniel, it's difficult to know where to begin. I've just read such a sincere, honest and emotive work that has truly touched me . The depth of your feelings are made more powerful by the expertly crafted structure of your narrative. You've laid your heart out on the page and shared how your own faith has helped the healing process. This is a great example as to how poetry can be so powerful and cathartic. Masterful. Cheers - Gary

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/20/2025 5:24:00 AM

Hello Gary, So nice to get your note this morning. Writing this brought a lot of memories and emotions that I have not felt in a while. I know our God is an awesome God who is unconditionally loving and through Him I am forgiven. Confessional poets of the past have taught me a lot about being real with my feelings, thoughts, and memories. It is very cathartic to write. This was the first time that I have expressed those memories in writing. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 3/14/2025 2:22:00 PM

Your fine tribute to your son, with its sadness and regret, touched my heart, dear friend. I am glad you found comfort in the Lord. Blessings and hugs.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/17/2025 7:07:00 AM

Dear Evelyn, Thank you for your love and support. Without the Lord, I would have never made it and I know he has forgiven me and, yes, given me great comfort. One day I hope to meet my son! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Jacqueline Elston

Date: 3/14/2025 10:14:00 AM

Daniel, l dont know what to say :( other than you touched my heart with this powerful poem. You are a true poet and l hope there is healing for you when you write your poetry. I will be sure to check out your other writing. J.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/14/2025 11:31:00 AM

Dear Jacqueline, what truly inspiring comments and they lifted me a little higher today and I am most thankful for that. It is not always easy to speak from a broken heart. I look forward to reading more of your poetry. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Crystol Woods

Date: 3/14/2025 4:54:00 AM

Oh Daniel. The power of this poem could change lives. Your words at first tapped at the door of my heart, making me smile. Toward the end they began to pound with fists, then feet, until the door broke down and tears began to fall,unchecked. To share this kind of deep sorrow and regret is so admirable. I am humbled to read these words and know your pain. This poetry is on a different level altogether... the absolute baring of your naked soul.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/14/2025 11:28:00 AM

Dear Crystol, Your most comforting words have touched me deeply. I'm overwhelmed by your compassionate response to my poem. I think that your description of how it affected you, from gentle tapping to breaking down doors is incredibly moving. I'm so thankful and grateful for your understanding and the connection we've shared through this vulnerable moment. Your insight about the power of shared sorrow is like a gentle breeze. While the experience was painful I felt God's forgiveness was a balm to my soul. Thank you for seeing the beauty in my vulnerability and for your unwavering support. I am so glad that your friendship is a true blessing, Crystol. I'm deeply thankful for you. With love and gratitude, Daniel

Crystol Woods
Date: 3/14/2025 4:54:00 AM

. I could wish this hadn't happened to you, or anyone, but to wish it away would deny the world of this comradery of souls...and relatable story that has the power to connect people in the unity of sorrow and heartbreak. I believe in the Forgiveness of God. When we ask and repent he blots the offence from our record so completely , like it never happened. Not the act itself but the offense of it. Depending on your personal views, this choice isn't necessarily an offense but it seems like you believe it to be and regret it. What a touching, emotional piece you've written...a fav for me for the beauty of your writing, the soul connection you built, and the vulnerability you've shown. Thank you for the blessing today... amazing work my friend. Xoxoxo

Duke Beaufort

Date: 3/13/2025 4:50:00 PM

Daniel, thank-you so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings about this experience. The decisions and experiences from the past can haunt us and it seems normal to think about what would have been. We will never know, and we tend to idealize what we've not had. Fortunately, we've made the best of what we have and understand there is no going back. I do hope you can forgive yourself completely, although sadness is always part of this. Many of us have been through this experience and understand it.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/14/2025 11:23:00 AM

Dear Duke, Your words touched my heart deeply. Thank you for understanding the lingering pain of my past decision. Your compassion and insight mean the world to me. It's always comforting to know I'm not alone in this experience. Yes, I know that I am forgiven and have forgiven myself fully but O' those memories and emotions still exist. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

CayCay Jennings

Date: 3/13/2025 8:04:00 AM

You made me cry. A moving, emotionally powerful poem. Well crafted, it delivers content that one can't easily shake off. I feel very sad right now. I have a lot of 'sad' son poems, as I gave birth to a special needs baby who is now a man and still with me. I don't know that I've ever read you before, but I haven't the best memory. Poetry hugs ... CayCay

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/14/2025 11:18:00 AM

Dear CayCay, I've wrestled with the memory of my abortion for about 15 years, eventually finding forgiveness. However, the memory still brings tears to my eyes. While I've never written about it until now, I have shared this experience with my wife years ago and with several friends over time. Your writing brings me joy, and I'm grateful for it. Wishing you spring blessings, my dear friend. Daniel

Anitha Jayasankar

Date: 3/10/2025 2:58:00 AM

This is such a heartrending write... dear Daniel... so poignant, and straight from heart. I believe God forgives our mistakes if we learn our lessons from it and if we sincerely pray to Him. So many beautiful lines. This is definitely a fav for me. God Bless. ~ Ani

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/10/2025 5:33:00 AM

Dear Anitha, I cannot express how grateful I was to read your note this morning. Our God is an awesome God and he does forgive. I believe one day I will meet the son I never knew in heaven. I am honored that you FAV'd it. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Heidi Sands

Date: 3/9/2025 6:30:00 PM

Wow! Yes. This is a beautiful tribute! So well.written! My heart sunk with the grief. Powerful! Bless you.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/10/2025 5:31:00 AM

Dear Heidi, It was so sweet to see your note this morning. I am thankful to have friends like you who are so supportive. Jesus has healed me, and the scars still remain. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Len Gasun

Date: 3/8/2025 7:47:00 PM

My dearest poet friend Daniel, an excellent tribute poem written with so much love and grief. I'm deeply moved with this superb piece. I'm so sorry for the pain you've been through my dearest poet friend. Jesus Christ will bless you and heal your wound for His love is great and so His faithfulness. God bless you and your family always. Hugs

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/10/2025 5:30:00 AM

Dear Len, Thank you and I am so grateful for your note. Yes, the Lord Jesus healed me many years ago. But the heart still remembers and sometimes needs to be expressed. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Regina Elliott

Date: 3/8/2025 6:54:00 AM

Hello Daniel, beauteous in its sorrow and the loving forgiveness of blessed Jesus Christ. His merciful hands and holy presence upon you. Have a good late winter Saturday my friend. ~

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/10/2025 5:28:00 AM

Dear Regina, You are so kind and yes, the love of our Lord Jesus and his forgiveness are so merciful and compassionate. Thanks for being such a wonderful support. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Shadow Hamilton

Date: 3/7/2025 3:55:00 PM

A wonderful tribute Daniel I feel your grief and grieve with you so sad yet beautiful must have been hard to write bless you and your son hugs Shadow

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/10/2025 5:27:00 AM

Dear Shadow, how wonderful to see your note this morning. I believe I have come to terms with my past years ago but the heart still remembers. I am very appreciative of your supportive note. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Deb M

Date: 3/7/2025 8:46:00 AM

Oh my gracious Daniel....where do l begin....what a powerful, poignant, vulnerable, honest, heart write! So real and so emotional Daniel and so beautifully written! Incredible my friend! Debx

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/10/2025 5:25:00 AM

Dear Deb, Sometimes it feels great to write a confessional-type poem and I guess I learned that from Sylvia Plath and Ann Sexton. I am very thankful and grateful for your uplifting words. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Joseph May

Date: 3/6/2025 4:08:00 PM

A heartbreaking decision Daniel, Your poem is etched in both promise and pain.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/7/2025 7:55:00 AM

Hello Joseph, Thank you so much for your note. It was a heartbreaking decision that I will always regret and yet I know I have been healed and forgiven. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

John Read

Date: 3/6/2025 8:38:00 AM

Hi Daniel, reading your wonderful poem was heartbreaking, it must of been a hard decision to make.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/6/2025 9:15:00 AM

Dear John, It was agonizing, and the fear of teenagers, the pressure, the lies, the cover-ups, and on and on until the final moment. I have found forgiveness in Jesus because he gives unconditional love and healing. Thank you for your time to stop by and read. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Sara Kendrick

Date: 3/6/2025 8:18:00 AM

I am guessing that this is written about abortion or deciding not to even try to conceive a child for one reason or another or maybe learning that a couple can't conceive. I can imagine how hard any of those situations would be and how terrible it would be to live with the choice of abortion for whatever reason. Thanks for this descriptive, expressive and emotive filled work. Sara K

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/6/2025 9:12:00 AM

Dear Sara, yes, it was abortion that took years to overcome because two teenagers had fallen into the trap of fear. It was so many decades ago but I still remember. Jesus healed me and the scar remains to be the voice of the father who made a wrong decision and was forgiven. Thank you so much for your support. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Janice Canerdy

Date: 3/6/2025 7:40:00 AM

I had to wipe away the tears before I could write this, Daniel! To say that this heart-wrenching, descriptive piece is beautiful is a gross understatement. I don't have the words . . . ! YES, God forgives!! Janice

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/6/2025 9:08:00 AM

Dear Janice, When I wrote this poem, I knew the brokenness I felt at that time and I had to develop the first part because there would have been so many dreams and yet fear overtook the teenager's mind and led to years of regret. However, Jesus is all forgiving and I turned it over to him and he took it. Thanks for your words of encouragement. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/6/2025 2:38:00 AM

- This must be painful to write, Daniel - One must try to find ways to live with the grief ... let the feelings that come find space in your heart - A heartbreaking and beautiful poem - hugs

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/6/2025 4:56:00 AM

Dear Anne-Lise, Yes, it was painful but it was such a long time ago and I would say the first 10 years haunted me badly. But through the grace of God, I was healed, although I still think about the boy who never lived. Thank you so much for your gracious note. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Joanna Daniel

Date: 3/6/2025 12:51:00 AM

Wow! This is heart rending and brilliant in its portrayal of pain and anguish, Daniel, sorry for anyone who had to go through such deep pain, a unique point of view voiced:)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/6/2025 4:38:00 AM

Dear Joanna, I believe what let's each of us write poetry is that we have life experiences to share that include the most joyous aspects and the most painful. It is very healing to write about each. Thank you and I am always very grateful to see your heart. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Sotto Poet

Date: 3/5/2025 6:19:00 PM

The poem revolves around tremendous regret and grief over decisions made that prohibit the speaker's son from experiencing life. It explores issues such as love, loss, dreams against reality, and the fragility of life. Your word selection in the poem is powerful and vivid. Words like "fluttering," "chasing," and "tugging" create a vibrant atmosphere.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/6/2025 4:35:00 AM

Hello Sotto, I am always grateful to see your comments and the detail that you give. Thank you so much! Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Jerry Brotherton

Date: 3/4/2025 9:39:00 AM

such powerful emotions my dear friend. Sorry that I can not write the words to take away the sorrow and regret.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/5/2025 4:42:00 AM

Good Morning, Jerry, Thank you, my friend, and I am so grateful for your note. Jesus has walked me through the pain and the suffering years ago and today I am grateful for his unbounded love and forgiveness. Spring Blessings, My Friend, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 3/4/2025 7:20:00 AM

Dear Daniel, God hears you. I'm sure you had a choice. Let him who is without sin, throw the first stone. I am also to blame partially. I had a daughter and decided no more. How I rue that decision but I'm sure I'm forgiven. A deep poem with great emotions and imagery. Much to be admired.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/4/2025 8:10:00 AM

Dear Victor, I am so uplifted by your thoughts and yes, I know that the Lord has forgiven me and you. He is our wondeful Savior with so much unconditional love. Thank you for being a Christian Brother! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 3/4/2025 7:19:00 AM

I'm sorry for your grief. Decisions are often made in haste. May you feel forgiveness from the Lord. This poem is sad.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/4/2025 8:07:00 AM

Dear Hilda, I am so grateful for your comments and empathy. The Lord is always so forgiving for those of us who repent of our sins. Thank You! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Lin Lane

Date: 3/4/2025 6:17:00 AM

Losing an unborn child is a sorrow that will always remain, I live with that grief. Losing one by choice is a pain I don't think I could ever overcome. Some men who father a child are not allowed that choice, and so they grieve as you have so heart wrenchingly written. I can imagine the questions and agony of such a person. To lose something through choice will always be an anguish in life.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 3/4/2025 8:05:00 AM

Dear Lin, your words move me deeply. The grief of loss, whether by choice or circumstance, cuts through in ways that are often unspoken. Your compassion for the unvoiced pain is palpable, and I appreciate the space you give for such heartache. You are always so gracious! Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel