A Mother's Prayer for her Handicapped Child

 
 

Perhaps one day I’ll see you smile.
Or toss your head, or clutch my hand.
Or give me hope that in your mind,
You hear me and you understand.

Your gentle smile, so sweet and still.
The vacant look that’s always there.
I search in vain for some sure sign,
But all you do is sit and stare.

They tell me there’s no hope of cure.
That I must come to terms with this -
A hopeless case, and best forgot,
All thoughts of miracles dismiss.

My baby, I will never cease
To pray that you may someday thrive,
Or I may learn to live in peace
With the torture of your empty life.

I do not know what locks your mind,
What holds your head, or stills your hand.
I only pray that soon somehow,
I may begin to understand.

 

Janet Johnson

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