TRIBUTE TO ALL PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN ARE BATTLING SUBSTANCE ABUSE

STILL MY CHILD
(Discovered that my tribute shares the same title as a song by Mary Mary)

I can feel the cool breeze;
wind blowing through the door.
Tears sting my eyes
as my weary heart recalls.

You were barely two,
still learning how to speak.
"Mama... Papa..."
the only words you could say!

I would reach to you,
holding you ever close.
I would feel your tender heart,
the warmth of your wholesome breath.

Gave you all you needed
My love, care, concern
You were always content
Though daddy was not there

You taught me how to love
and how to care with all my being.
Every moment spent with you,
teaching you one, two, three!

At age five
you and I were the best of friends.
We would play hide and seek,
word games, or Simon says.
"I love you, Mama!"
You would say, spent - ever tired.
"Goodnight, angel.  Mommy loves you too!"

Now you are all grown
and all innocence is lost.
A tragic life of pain, insecurity
and no self-love.
Addicted to substance,
no concern for self, no care.
You are still my child,
and you are always in my heart!

© Yvonne Mahlape Maserumule, 2014
(All rights reserved)