(for Rebecca)


I am absent, as I have always been:
The reckless father
Who spiralled out of orbit
Before you were truly flesh.
I left you
A mess of genes,
A cross of dreams
And eyes
Lovers will die to see their soul in.

How could you know
I wished to gift you something more?

If I were clay
I would re-make the years:
Tear away the calendar nights
I wasn't there,
Sing you lullabies,
Stroke your hair
Till you're safe asleep
And the shadows have melted away.

If I were clay
I would re-make the sun
And make it shine every day
So the flowers smelled
Of blazing colour
And a sense of wonder
Replaced the pain.

If I could, I would make
A map of wonders
And walk with you
To a different, amazing place
Every day:
If I were made of clay.

Want to comment on this Poetry? Sign up to Edit Red and you will be able to comment on Poetry and get access to: Upload your own stories and poems, get readers and their feedback, promote your work...