Empty Nest

Time finds youthful hopes and dreams my child In the could-have-been-but's-not - with you, my child.

No hurts to kiss, or secret laughs await

At end of day so I make do, my child.

With my mind's eye I place you high on clouds

Cavorting with fairies - and unicorns, too! My child.

Though I sought you my path was blown by wild

Tempests too fierce to stumble through, my child.

Sometimes you flutter in my heart's desire But that way lies pain, and tears will ensue, my child.

Mora, not hard to say why you shake fists

To sky - it hurts to bid adieu, my child.

This is an example of a ghazal form of poem. More can be learned about this and other forms of poetry at Baldwin, Emma. "Ghazal". Poem Analysis, https://poemanalysis.com/poetic-form/ghazal/. Accessed 22 August 2023.

I wrote this as an ode to the child I was unable to have. It is not a perfect ghazal but only my attempt.