You climb on me and look deeply into my eyes
And oh so gently you gently breathe.
“Have I got Down’s Syndrome?” you ask
“Yes, my darling,” I gently say
I see understanding dawning in your eyes
“Will you keep me, dad?” you softly ask.
“Forever, darling.
Forever and a day.”
She breaks down
All hopeless tears
And clings hard to my neck
Weeping wetting through
Then lulled by sobbing, while in my arms,
She sleeps.
I have not carried you for many years
But this time I will find the strength.
I put her into bed and caress her brow
Her cheeks still wet
Her eyes sealed in blissful unconsciousness
And as she sleeps I murmur to her…
“Were there mountains high enough to reach the stars
I would climb them for you.
“I’d pluck one from the heavens for you, like a flower,
To garland your hair.
“Whole moons and diamond diadems of the skies
Would curtsey and dance for you.
“I’d swim the oceans of the world
To find one pearl
“A perfect orb to place upon your brow –
A moment of perfection
“I’d surround you with the Myrmidons,
Protect you from all harm
But I cannot save you from the truth.
“Have I got Down’s Syndrome?” she asks
“Yes, my darling” I gently say
“Will you keep me, Dad?” she asks
“Until the last resounding day
“Until the trumpets blast and bray
“Until the Christ returns to say
‘I wait for you.’ ”
Only then will I let go.