when ... a poem for my daughter
when you were young and you leapt from your bed
in an eerie arc through space
and there was a certainty in your eyes
that i would catch you before broken bones
catch you in strong arms
that you believed
held up the weight of all the world
when laughter fell from your eyes and formed puddles in our basement room
during the rainy season of miracles
when there was a home a place for you and me
to dance in uncertain circles
down the hallway
and out the back door
across the silent lawn
and into forever
when music defined yesterday and tomorrow
and today was like a full rest pause
between the melody and the bridge
and i heard you sing
in a crowded auditorium
your voice soaring to perfect pitch
over the riot of tears
streaming from my eyes
when there was a family a simple snapshot of the us
hanging proudly by the staircase
before it faded slowly into hurt
and separation
when there was time for love and unspoken faith
and every breath was just a gasp
away from giddy
when there was all that and more a collection of puzzle fragments
that mysteriously
fell into place
i watched in wonder
as the colourful pieces fit together
and blended softly
to capture the perfect portrait
of a lady safe
behind the glass of a perfect frame
but now i can only guess that
i did not hold up my end of the bargain
the forever promise to
catch you soaring in mid-air
because for all my searching and
despite every hopeful prayer
these arms are empty now
and i can't find you anywhere
