Dear Child by Barbara Ann Renouf

DEAR CHILD

by Barbara Ann Renouf

“Hi, Mom,” is the voice I hear on the telephone line.
“How is everything going today?” I ask.
“Wondering, are you well? Is work going like it should?
How are you feeling? Is life manageable?
Are the children wearing you down?
What are your pleasant plans for the future?
Are you happy?”

If you were young and under my wing
I’d sit down and share a cookie
And a glass of milk and listen and
Cherish whatever you would say.
That is how it once was for you and me.
I could you make you feel better just
By listening and sharing a moment.

Time was yesterday and the present is now.
We no longer share the same roof and
Your shelter is far from my eyes.
I talk to you by long distance telephone instead
Of at the same kitchen table.

And I only can imagine or sense
By the tones in our voice-
That you are safe and well.
How quickly our path that once was
Side by side now has taken you
To that lofty mountain called independence
And change.

I’d gladly wish that barrier away
And return once more to hold your young hand.
My love would cheer you, care for you
And soften life’s blows with a
Gentle Stroke of your chin or
Tossle the strands of hair
across your childish brow

My hand looks weary and care worn.
You have grown up and now there
Are tiny bits of time that we sometimes share.
But there is a place always reserved just for you.
In my rich collections of the past
And no amount of goodbyes can take them
My memories of you my child, and me.

Barbara Renouf
October 30, 2007
Santa Clara, Utah