God, all night long I miss him Lying half asleep-my concious memory lost I wonder if he tossed the blankets off Or if the rain is blowing on his sill Or if he's ill-my baby And often waking, I find myself beside his bed, Stooping to kiss the little tousled head that is no longer there I stand and stare with streaming eyes At that smooth pillow and unruffled spread Remembering slowly that my son is dead All day long I listen for his step, His whistle and his sweet, uncertain song I listen until the silence tightens 'round my throat Oh God, you know I'd give my life to hear his voice again. To feel once more, the touch of his young eager hand. To stand and watch him play, And I feel the pride leap in me like a flame I'd give my life, I say-and yet I wouldn't I must stay right here and do my job, till I have earned the right to go away. The past has passed I loved him-yes! But love is not a toy To satisfy one's private pride and joy No-love's a part of that eternal plan By which God manifests himself to man And we who love must also dare to keep the faith When those we love are lost, Least weaker spirits, watching, should cry out that love's not worth the cost. And so my Father, take my grief today as tribute to the glory you sent away I lay my little son within your arms, safe now, forever, from the hurt and harm. He would have known, had he lived I give him up I drink the bitter cup reserved for those who dare to love and lose Forgive our fears! There is a nobler duty facing us than tears. It is our proud and shining mission to express Love's rare, abiding pride and loveliness We, only, who have lost, can know that love is worth Whatever it may cost.
Reason for writing:
what inspired me to submit this poem is that I don't know who wrote this. I found it in an old newspaper clipping. I would like to know who wrote it and I feel that the whole world should be able to read this poem. If you have any idea who wrote it please please mail me.Birth sign: Not entered
You need to log in to edit this poem if it is yours.
View more poems by Elizabeth Rollins.