(for Abby)
Sometimes when she’s sleeping
I can see in my mind’s eye
the little girl I thought I had,
the one who said good-bye.
Sometimes when she’s sleeping
hands folded by her cheek
I close my eyes and see before me
a child who can speak.
Sometimes when she’s sleeping
she seems so whole and well
I can’t believe she won’t awaken
with dreams of which to tell.
Sometimes when she’s sleeping
and the tears in my eyes overflow,
I steal what kisses I can in the dark
and wonder what joys she will know.
Sometimes when she’s sleeping
and my eyes ache with tears unshed,
I pray she’ll always be full of peace
as she slumbers in her bed.
Sometimes when she’s sleeping
I can almost hear her say
“I love you, Mom, with my heart
and my soul, each and every day”.
But always when she’s sleeping
I am full of pride
at the miracle that is my daughter
and the perfection that is inside.