New poem: "A Mother's Confession"

 

 

A Mother’s Confession

 

She had five children in all, but Bobby,

her youngest, had Down syndrome, and

she devoted her life to his care.

 

Many times, she prayed to God to take Bobby

home when her husband was away on the river

drive; but God kept Bobby safe and sound.

 

One by one, her children left home for university,

and soon she was all alone with her youngest

child, and fear brought tears to her eyes.

 

She never learned to drive a car, always depending

upon her husband, and seldom did she go anywhere

because Bobby needed her constant care.

 

Over time, she accepted the burden of Bobby`s life

as a test from God, and every morning she prayed

to Jesus Christ to help her through the day.

 

Bobby taught her patience, kindness, compassion,

and understanding, all the virtues of a saint;

but the years took a toll upon her life.

 

She loved Bobby dearly, because he was so special;

but had she the choice to make today, she would

abort her beloved child.

 

It came as a surprise to her priest, but in the darkness

of the confessional, alone with her conscience,

she unburdened her tired soul.

 

Composed in Nipigon, Ontario

Date unknown: 1990-2000