the loss of a child |
Alison is Lost Whilst the children played, she ran away Though not so much run, as seek her freedom in the sun Her path was short, she relished the space she had sort Her absence left them all undone, as she enjoyed the fun Of being solo in her quest for life. She thought of what’s best For without siblings by her side, her heart could ride On innocent waves of fate, and then she found the gate. Unlocked, it bid her inside: I have a place where you can hide Meanwhile, a posse had been formed, no badges to adorn Them. Find the missing one, a mother cried, undone, Search every place. She knew, this is a race We have to win, or sunset come, we’ve not won Like bees, searching far and wide, looking for a place to hide, They spread, while an increasing sense of dread Held them to their task. Questions they could not ask Addled every head: they couldn’t think she might be dead. They searched out every place, enquired of every face Have you seen the missing girl? Minds all awhirl No-one answered that they had and momentarily glad, Thought that a future would unfurl, hopeful for the little girl But nothing came of it, and rather than just sit Chose to retrace their steps, for there was hope still yet And walked the driveway to the gate, led by fate It swung ajar and their eyes met, but still chose not to fret Until they edged up to the pool whose crystal waters held them cool And by the rim, looked down, not a word, not a sound Came from their mouths, agape. Inside, they prayed to God, for Jesus’ sake! And they gathered close around. Alison they’d finally found. Alan Turpie |