To a Crying Child (Poetry)

I have never held you —
you are not mine
I only know you by the cry that comes
to trouble me
make me anxious —
tear the heart’s soft flesh.

You pierce me through and through
the arrows that you wail
slice walls and penetrate all thought
wound the very air between us
and I brace against the pain
of listening.

A oneway communication —
I hear your sobbing call
and its SOS connects
but you are not mine to save —
my rôle is clear
you have my sympathetic ear.

I send you my most soothing thoughts
for comfort —
wish you happier and free
of such distress
invoke maternal spirits — bid them
cradle round you —
rock you as I would do
to rest.