My Joy

 
                for my son James

Despite the shadow that sorrow now casts,
Despite insidious powers of loss,
I know still: the joy of love that lasts
Is captured in the moment of your birth.

It will remain with me throughout our plight
Despite the darkness setting us apart
Deceiving what is wrong and what is right -
It cannot snatch you ever from my heart.

The time that we’ve shared was too brief.
I look at what had happened in dismay,
But neither by denial nor by grief
Eternal treasures can be swept away.

22.04.09