My Son’s Birthday
by Deanna Lynd

 creative-writing  poetry  prison-life

You came into the world fast and furious,
when I held you, you looked up at me with eyes wide and curious.
My heart changed in a instant.
For once my own childhood seemed so distant.
I vowed to do my best, to love and cherish you
and trust your father to do the rest.
From my arms you were taken
back to my cell I was sent
fifteen years will never compare to what losing you meant.
The ache in my heart is so deep,
not being beside you to watch you sleep.
I never knew your smell I could only pick up the telephone
and ask if you were doing well.
Months went by as I watched you grow
through photographs missing all the hugs, kisses,
the love and laughs.
I awaited my fate,
not yet knowing my release date. Time went by
you began to talk and walk on your own
I learned I would not be free until you are grown.
I try to remain strong and pay my debt.
It is an extravagant bill living each day
with the heartache I feel.
Sometimes I pray for death
then I look at a recent photograph
and I am reminded I owe you, if not myself
one more day, one more breath.

Notes

Deanna Lynd #Y24235 C1112 Lower
Homestead Correctional Institution
19000 SW 377th St. Suite #200
Florida City, FL 33034-6400