If Only

Prompt: Picture of woman and infant (was to be for PWW but did another instead)

IF ONLY

If only I could take you home.
If only you were mine.
I’d never let you want for love.
I’d soothe you when you cry.

If only parents had the means.
If only parents cared.
That when they leave their child behind.
They have no choice from there.

If only young girls had support.
If only they were told
they should wait for lovers ‘til they grow
into women wise and bold.

If only families had the funds.
If only you were well.
You’re momma would take you home today
and stories she would tell.

What stories will she tell, my love,
of her child, abandoned here.
What would be her reasons?
What would be her fears?

“If only I could raise her.
If only times could change.
If only I had money.
If only he would stay.

I fear that I might never
forget her sweet, soft cry,
or never get to see her face
or wipe her tear-stained eyes.

If only I was ready. 
If only I’d finished school
If only my family stood by me
If only I’d followed the rules

I fear that I might never know
what will be her lot.
What parents will she have?
Will they give her what I can not?

If only I could tell her
why I had to go.
If only things were different.
If only she could know.”

SWPoet
40 Lines