Poems From the Past

Since there is nothing new to report on the adoption process, I thought I'd share some poems that relate to our journey to become parents. I wrote the first one in memory of our first unborn child, who we lost in April 1999. We planted a rose bush in her honor, which grew and thrived despite the sorrow we felt. I always viewed that rose bush as a sign of hope for the future and some time later wrote this poem.

The Precious Rose

From love’s sweet embrace
She was created
Destined for greater things
And as we awaited her arrival
A storm brewed within
Threatening to take her
From those closest to her heart
Tender rose petals
Shed from the stem that once gave life
Dreams dissolved
Hope shattered
But the rose remains

(2/14/2001)

The next poem is in memory of our second unborn child, who we lost in 2003.

Tiny Bud

A tiny bud forms – and life begins
The bud is nurtured
By the warmth of the sun
By the love of its admirers
By the soothing touch of the wind
Yet it is never more than just a bud

It is no less real or beautiful
Than the flower it was supposed to be
But we will never see it grow
Or thrive
Or flourish
We can never smell its sweet scent
Or gently touch its soft petals

But we cannot dismiss it
It is an important part of nature itself
For without that bud, there can be no life
It holds the key
To dreams unrealized
To hopes unfulfilled
And to a promise of better things to come

(2/27/03)