Still Waters

Chained!

Behold grey beard, double bent, x -ray thin,
who was once as strong and upright as I,
with steely limbs – sinews etched and trim.

He too had his love by quota, his grief
his joy, success, failure, heartache and pain.

He gazes sideways to take in the scene.
Derides the orgasmic moment that chained  
him to this pulsating heart unseen.

His life condemned, step by conscious step
to wonder and to wander his life out.

Look to that babe, so cherished, so free.
Parents proud of their love made conception.
Arise proud parents, look ahead and see...

There still beats the heart of your beloved child,
With garrulous gait and red rheumy eye.

You gave, your love and your hope and your time
But into this world he was born unasked
with years ahead until the final bells chime.

There’s no cancellation, or ‘not entirely
satisfied’ money back guarantee. 

Just the same dark routine of staying alive.
Not for the joy, but just for the fear, the
chill of the wind and the nothingness void.

Your beautiful child, so cherished, so bold,
was frozen to death in December when old.