My Dear Child
In the heart's abyss, the pain lingers on,
For the ones I cherish most have been drawn.
Months or years, or an eternity's spree,
I won't forsake my role, nor my decree.
Confused and torn, between parents, you stand,
Yet our love for you flows, vast as the sand.
Though others may pull, tug you to and fro,
Parental love shouldn’t be a game, you know.
Both of us can love, both of us can care,
Forget old disputes, the pain we did bear.
Let's build those bridges, solid and so wide,
Where love and hope eternally reside.
For my children, my love knows no bounds,
Let's cherish the joy, let love’s song resound.
From this moment on, let blessings accrue,
Counting them daily, cherished and true.
Here I am, waiting, imperfect, yet true,
Not only by me, but others love you too.
Desire for your return burns, a fervent plea,
Yearning for days when once again, you're with me.
Mistakes of the past, let's leave them behind,
Forgive and look forward, a new path to find.
For those who look up, let's show the way,
Learn from the past, and a brighter day.
Remember the ones, close to our core,
Mother, siblings, and so many more.
Our purpose is clear, to love and to give,
Reflecting the divine in the life we live.
Time to let go, of the past and its shade,
Others observe, on the path we've laid.
Once I was firm, and you, the young one,
Yet, in life's journey, we've only begun.
As your father, my vow is clear to see,
To love unconditionally, be the best 'me'.
So I reach out, with hope shining through,
Please come back, my arms open for you.
Your kid is trans. They are not dead.
Thank you for sharing this deeply personal and heart-rending poetry. Our son is distancing for different reasons, but your anguish resonates deeply with me. He is living with a woman who is completely estranged from her family and he is becoming less tolerant of others the longer they are together. A young man who was always welcoming to a variety of people has become negative, critical, and remote.
We are living at a time when the mental health industry and many others are cynically profiting off misery and division. Where in bygone days people encouraged one another to find common ground and love one another, now they are encouraged to break ties with those whom they consider 'toxic'. This social pattern goes back decades, but it has accelerated in recent years. Being capable of listening even when we disagree and loving unconditionally are essential skills in a family and a society. Too many of us are lacking those skills today, and I'm not just pointing fingers at the young generation. It took me until middle age to realize that I could listen with an open heart without agreeing with the other person.
Thank you for sharing your pain as well as your determination and your successes. I woke up this morning thinking that I need to reach out more to people, and then I read your poetry. The first ones I need to reach out to are my own family.