TO MY CHILD

This is a beautiful poem. There is an appeal from a Zimbabwean couple at the bottom of message, not asking for anything more than that you hand the poem on. The husband wrote the poem.

TO MY CHILD

Just for this morning, I am going to

smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you

choose what you want to wear,

and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step

over the laundry and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning,

I will leave the dishes in the sink,

and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon,

I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off,

and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon,

I will not yell once,

not even a tiny grumble when you scream

and whine for the ice cream truck,

and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon,

I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up,

or second guess every decision

I have made where you are concern ed.

Just for this afternoon,

I will let you help me bake cookies,

and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon,

I will take us to McDonald's

and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening,

I will hold you in my arms

and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening,

I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening,

I will let you stay up late

while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening,

I will snuggle beside you for hours,

and miss my favourite TV shows.

Just for this evening

when I run my finger through your hair as you pray,

I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers

who are searching for their missing children,

the mothers and fathers

who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms.

The mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms

watching their children suffer senselessly

and screaming inside that little body

And when I kiss you goodnight

I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer.

It is then, bthat I will thank God for you,

and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............