Little eyes look
up at you,
requesting, asking,
begging for
Something wanted.

How does one explain
that your pockets
are empty, and
the answer must too
often be a painful 'No'?

Questioning eyes
struggle to understand,
but you know they won't,
not for a very long time.

You give them a
needed hug and a
kiss on their soft
foreheads.

They smile,
and through glassy
eyes, you smile back,
though the smile
never reaches
your eyes.

They're too young
and don't notice,
and you can only pray
the tears don't
betray you...

until they finally
leave the room.


-by Mercurychyld
Copyright 15 July 14