Missing Children Poem by Neil Graham Marsden

If each star in the heavens went out in the night
Would that show how I suffer here out of your sight.
As the warmth of the morning unlocks the new day
Will you know I walk with you, each step of the way.

For each day that elapses, each night that unfolds
I will treasure last visions and cradle your soul.
Pull you close to this empty heart, cuddle you tight,
Draw you out from the shadows and into the light.

Steal you out from the footlights and onto the stage
Close the chapter on longing and write the next page.
How I dream that tomorrow will replace today
With a chance I may listen to all you might say.

But if time in its turning should take me from view
Know I somewhere watch over each deed that you do.
And feel in your hearts that for each absent day
That I cherish and love you in just the same way.

With a soul full of sadness, and a heart full of doubt
That this story of loving should cruelly leave out.
A chance to embrace you with all of my might,
My love in suspension, at least for tonight.