Remember

She can’t remember what I can’t forget.
I know she’s older, now; coping and, yet,
Fragmented memories tear at my heart ~
Despising the distance that holds us apart.

She can’t remember. Of course, under three,
Not much is recorded in young memory.
Still, it seems such a shame that so precious a time
Should be left all alone in the halls of my mind.

When kisses, so innocent, pressed on my cheek
And chubby arms circled my neck like a wreath;
Swift little feet ran to me in delight.
My hand she reached for, in darkness of night.

Thank God I could be there for her tender needs,
To kiss little bruises and tiny scraped knees;
To teach her, with love, basic babyhood
And do all the things that a good mother should.

Now, I can’t reach her, for time has me held
In a strong cocoon; built with power and stealth.
Slowly, it blinded. So, I didn’t see
All the numerous ways it planned to trap me.

Lord, as long as I breathe and can whisper Your name,
In all of my prayers You will still hear the same;
That little darling I will love to the end
And maybe You’ll help her remember, again.


 Joan Clifton Costner
Copyrighted. All rights restored.

And I will restore to you the years that the
 locust hath eaten,
the cankerworm, and the caterpillar,
 and the palmerworm,
my great army which I sent among you.
Joel 2:25
 

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