A Poem for My Son

A Poem for My Son

I used to write short poems when I was in grade school. I got an invitation to join a conference in Washington D.C. from Poetry.com 20 years ago. Since I was a young and competitive student back then and missing school wasn’t a great idea, I couldn’t go since the conference was scheduled for August 2000.

Shortly after that, life happened. New hobbies had emerged, and I no longer had the time and inspiration to write. It was easier to imagine and make beautiful assumptions about the magic of love and life when you haven't experienced them yet. Oh, the perks of being young!

Twenty years had passed. I'm already married with two amazing kids. One day, when we were picking up some stuff from our old house, I decided to use my eldest son's old notebook to draft some learning activities he could do when we got home.

After finishing up, I noticed that my husband had fallen asleep while waiting for me. My mobile phone's battery was dead, but the pencil and the notebook were still in my hands. What else could I do while giving my husband enough time to rest?

Then I started to feel this weird sensation on my chest, that feeling that I've been missing something- something I used to do.

And there, in less than 5 minutes, I came up with a short poem for my eldest son. It wasn't perfect. But hey- this came from a mom's heart who struggled with infertility for eight years!

A Poem for You, My Son

It all started when you were just a dream

It's like a battle that was impossible to win

I never thought that this dream would soon be

the greatest blessing God has given me.

The first time I heard you cry

All I could think of was to hug you tight

At that moment, I knew I had to wait for the right time

to finally meet and welcome you to my life.

A hundred years may pass, but you'll always be my son

My baby, my life, my miracle one.

And someday, when the time comes and that I'd be gone

I'd always be with you, no matter who you become.