Little darling
how my heart is bursting
with the beauteous warmth of you,
your cuddly down-softness
snuggling in my arms,
fluffy dark hair caressing my cheek as I cradle you.
And yet in all this glory
a bittersweet strain of music
tugs at my heart,
because you are so much like her,
your big sister who was born asleep,
eyes closed forever,
motionless,
and here you are
—thank God!—
alive.
I want to cry grateful tears of sorrow
when you squeak and grumble like a little bear
because your sister was so silent.
And when I smell the milky scent on your neck
because your sister never tasted milk.
I was left bursting but alone…
my arms like edges of an empty cradle
with only myself to rock.
I get choked up by your little hands
which look exactly like hers–
long slim fingers and grandma’s double jointed thumbs.
They’re curled up in tiny fists above your head
in the abandon of sleep,
yet warm and ever ready to grasp my finger
instead is still, pale, and cold.
In this bittersweet place
I love you both
and want to give you everything:
all the affection and tenderness
I wished to give her
but also want to give you for yourself.
I drink deeply both of sorrow and of joy.
How life and death are woven together
–intertwined–
in this strange tapestry where all the shadows
make the colours brighter.
What is painful
and what is precious
have become inseparable
and love runs through it all.
So moving .
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Thanks, Mum! Love you!! Xox
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Oh wow, what an incredible piece. I can’t imagine. I remember how hard it was to wrap my head around the fact that baby Matthew wasn’t my toddler Isaac. Let alone to have two in different places. Thank you, for sharing your heart. All my love and prayers, Steph
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Thank you, Stephanie! So much appreciated! Xox
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Your brilliant words capture the longings of a mother stretched between this world and the next. Unbeknownst to our living children, their everyday expressions and cuddles bring fresh waves of grief sometimes. It is easy to feel robbed of our lost parenthood. I have to believe, however, that the Maker of Life, who creates every soul for eternity, will unite us as a family someday in heaven. Sisters forever.
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Sisters forever, indeed! And thank you for your heartfelt understanding. I feel our shared losses have made us sisters, too. One day we will all rejoice together!
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Touching words Anna . Thank you for being so generous with your innermost feelings. I’m sure your words will touch many. 💞
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Thank you, Janet, for your sweet comment!
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Beautiful piece ❤ hugs and kisses!
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Thank you!! 🙂
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Awwh…
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