Her Kidnapping

Suddenly
In the vulnerable patience
Of that unsuspecting morning
Sheena Rose's voice was silenced.
~ ~ ~
A great vile vulture, stretching out
Piercing talons - razor beak
Devoured my daughter
Six years old - yet wet-winged and tender
Dew-damp and dear.
~ ~ ~
Instantly annihilating my pearl called trust,
Unzipping my sanity, spilling me into a gutter
Of frozen time staring stunned.
~ ~ ~
Fine embroidery of my life unraveled.
Vision of her little form still fresh in my arms; my
Yearning memory still echoed with her high, sweet song.
~ ~ ~
Suddenly
In the horror of that grimmest quiet morning
My carousel of innocence and joy
Forever silenced.


(C) 1998 Rosemary J. Gwaltney All rights reserved.