Life  is merely
a series
of before and afters
      begininngs and endings,
    
Sometimes we
are a fortune's king,
    weilding the key
to open
or close doors.

Other times,
our control is lost
and a line is drawn
    by the sword of a skillful hand
marking
         a change of heart
or opportunity.

Inevitably, death bows
to the governing power of Chronus
    holding time in his hands
  
But in between
the before and afters,
and the beginnings and endings
are moments.

   defining
turning
    quiet
stolen
of no return

Moments

The rhythmic newborn baby's cry,
    goodbyes that cast a shadow,
songs filled with Heaven's joy?
kisses that taste of forever,
      breezes that dance with the angels
   or quarrels armed with poison.
  
Moments

Some left with arms reaching
      for they were missed.
 a hesitant heart refusing love
words left unspoken
     time not taken
forgiveness held captive

Looking back
at memories held,
    moments have brought
light and darkness
but the missed moments
    have left the deepest scars
marking opportunity's lost.

So, I try to remember
  that in between
the before and afters,
   and the beginings and endings,
are moments,
    and I shall
adorn them in jewels
and embrace them in peace
lest them not be missed
for soon,
   they too shall pass.

It is a ******, Mom.
Don’t you realize it?
I am you and Dad’s love.
I know it’s difficult to have me in your womb.
But it is all worth.
I’ll make you proud, Mom.
Please don’t **** me.
Please don’t let me die, Mom.

It is a ******, Dad.
Don’t you realize it?
I am you and Mom’s love.
Why do you hate me, Dad?
'Cause I am a girl.
It’s a woman who gave birth to you.
It’s a woman who shares your every pain and joy.
I’ll make you proud, Dad.
Please don’t **** me.
Please don’t let me die, Dad.

Mom, don’t you want to bathe me
and dress your little girl like a princess?
Don’t you want to make my breakfast
while Dad makes me ready for the school?
Don’t you want to comb my hair
when it gets all messed up?

Dad, don’t you want to hear me say my first words?
Don’t you want to hold my fingers
and help me walk?
Don’t you want to clap
as I sing a song for you at the school concert?
Don’t you want to see your little princess
walk down aisle in a beautiful gown?

I want to dress up like Cinderella.
I want to tell everybody I'm Daddy’s little girl.
I want to dance gracefully like a ballerina.
I want to help you, Mom, with daily chores.
I will teach you how to make new delicious dishes.
We’ll watch movies together.
We’ll visit places together.
I want to be a teacher just like you Dad.
I want to help kids learn.
Please don’t **** my dreams, Dad.
Please don’t let my dreams die, Mom.

They have laws against foeticide.
But what’s the point of coming to this world,
when the persons supposed to love you most want you dead?
In already cruel world where crime against women are rampant,
how I am going to survive
without your love.
Please **** me, Dad.
Please let me die, Mom.