Forever and a Day

Mother and Child (1906) by Gari Melchers

You touched me, and I feel it still.

I’ll never not, though I daily try.

What you stole against my will

You will have until you die.

The scar you left in my memory

Pains me at every thought of love.

What may haunt me for a century

Is yours also to think of.

I carry this weight wherever I go,

Some days no farther than bed.

What will be heavy until I’m old and slow,

I know lives light in your head.

But one thing you gave to me

Will outlive us both, come what may.

This baby of mine is that only,

Mine to cherish, forever and a day.