Lately Poem

Lately, my child, I see you silently wondering
   whether your life will go back to what it used to be.
Sitting in the dark, alone, you’re pondering,
   will you ever get back to being carefree?

Lately, my child, your head is bowed,
   your shoulders seem to carry such a heavy weight,
your smile hushed, your laughter no more loud,
   always asking when this dark shadow will finally abate.

Lately, my child, I watch you looking at the sky,
   drawing invisible clouds with your little finger,
softly whispering ‘please don’t let anyone die’,
   words that forever in my mind will linger.

Lately, my child, I sit by your side,
   wiping away all those little tears until they’re dried.
Smiling, I’m holding your little hand in mine,
   and we just sit there waiting – for what? Perhaps a sign!

Listen, my little one … in times as uncertain and frightening as these,
   where even the air around us seems to be struck down by disease,
I wish we wouldn’t have to feel such a cold breeze,
   and though it would seem as if these days of hardship and suffering will forever last …
   trust me – a new bright, healthy morning will dawn once they’ve passed.