Unexpected Treasure

The Waiting Child

I saw you meet your child today,
you kissed your baby joyfully
and as you walked away with her,
I played pretend you'd chosen me.

I'm happy for the baby,
yet inside I'm aching miserably.
I want to plead as you go by,
Does no-one want a child of three?

I saw you meet your child today,
in love with her before you met.
And as I watched you take her out,
I knew it wasn't my turn yet.

I recognize you from last year!
I knew I'd seen your face before!
But you came for a second babe.
Does no-one want a child of four?

I saw you meet your child today
but this time there was something new:
A nurse came in and took MY hand
and then she gave my hand to you.

Can this be true? I'm almost six!
And there are infants here you see?
But then you kissed me and I knew
the child you chose this time was me.

by Debbie Bodi