Feel Safe to Stay 11.7.2023

"Is she here today?"
"Not today," I replied.
"And she's home too sick to take any calls,"
I lied.
Out on the playground, counted
Each 8th grade kid
Breathing in and out for my child
The one missing
Tears hid
Perspective shifted going through the day
Every child needs love to feel safe
To stay
I couldn't be with my own kid
But could damn well be there for others
So show up I did
With the broken heart of a mother 

Inventions from Pain

Age 14 so many plans and dreams
Thought they were stolen by memories
Couldn't see the setback was only the start
It was during the fight you found a spark

Pushing and pulling
Each step of the way
Things bent and broken your
Inventions from pain

16 and now look just how far you've come
Faced every battle when you wanted to run
Your light now a beacon for others to see
The pain had a purpose -fired creativity

Pushing and pulling 
Each step of the way
Things bent and broken your
Inventions from pain

You're stronger than many will ever know
You're braver than you may understand
I'm sorry for things that were not your fault
And proud you did not let your story end
____________________________________________
For Addie