My darkest fear
and biggest regret
are all the children I never thought to have
because aren’t we to go out and multiply?
But then I see the one that God
Has given me on a short, lifetime loan,
An embodiment of all those children
I never thought to have. Her sculptured skin
And carefully carved heart, her moving lips
And wind-whipped hair, are all the things I
Could never think to own, even on a good day.

© 2022 by Ericka Clay