Dear Anna-Letter from a mother

A Poem by thegreatgats8

A young mother gives her child up for adoption.

I just saw you. Your perfect little legs, your perfect fingers, your perfect mouth. You're my daughter but I cannot touch you. I try to get a glimpse of whose holding you, who your new mother will be, but I can't make out the face. I think maybe it isn't you, maybe there is still a chance I could go back to the orphanage to get you. You don't know how much I love you.

I hope someday, someone tells you about me. Maybe you will come back for me, just like I wanted to come back for you. You don't know how badly I want you to have a good life. You are strong, a survivor. The doctors didn't think that you would make it but I knew you would. After they checked all of your vital signs they took you, I didn't even get to kiss you goodbye. I guess it may have been better that way. I wouldn't have wanted you to see me like this. I promise that I will find you again in another life and we will be together. I love you.

The crib that was all made up for you will never be slept in, the baby bottles will never be drunk from. I look over to the soft small blanket that would have been your blankie, your shield. I should have been your shield. I never should have let them take me from you. I open the door to our small apartment and run into the street screaming for you. I hope maybe I will see you again so I can get you back. I fall to the ground. Someone is walking towards me. 'She's gone, she's gone' I cry. I keep holding onto you but I can't bring you back. So i've decided to let you go.

Anna. That was going to be your name. Anna Rose. I hope your new parents name you something beautiful. I hope all the children at school want to sit with you at lunch. I prey you show kindness everywhere you go and do not emit scorn because of me. I hope your daddy goes to dances with you. I hope your mommy kisses you everynight. I hope your sister knows how lucky she is to have you, and I hope your brother protects you. That should have been me protecting you. Close your eyes and think of me, and I will be there in your heart.

Love your forever loving mother, Beth