Wayward Child

by Cheryl Merrick

My heart aches for you
as I watch you
learn from your own experience
that wickedness never was happiness.

Feeling you suffer
the consequences of your acts,
I long to comfort you
but I cannot,
for in your quest for freedom
you have willfully stepped
off the only path
that could have brought
you happiness.

The Autistic Child

by Cheryl Merrick

The “victim” is diagnosed
as having a “developmental disorder”,
and the parents are told
     their child has “impaired functioning”.
Words fill the air:
     “delayed”, “abnormal”, “peculiar”.
They only hope therapy or drugs
can make their child with this “condition”
     “Normal”.

Training Wheels

by Cheryl Merrick

The training wheels,
barely touching now,
as you move farther away
into a home of your own.

The days of us shouting encouragement
and, occasionally, steadying the bike
are nearly over.

You now glide along as a couple.
On two wheels
you whiz around corners,
ably maneuvering the challenges of life.

Just you two,
growing stronger together,
as it is meant to be,
no longer needing
training wheels.

Diana's Day

(A day in the life of a newborn)

by Cheryl Merrick

Pinpricks

and cuddles

Loud noises and

Mommies soft, comforting  voice

Limbs jerking and

Daddy holding her snugly

No more constant nourishment

Now she must work hard  for her food

Knowing the emptiness and pain of hunger

and the contentment of a full tummy

Being alone for the first time and

Being held close in loving arms

Diana begins her experiences

upon the earth

First Child

by Cheryl Merrick

Arrival

Excited and nervous
     we await your arrival.
Will we be good parents?
How do you take care of a baby?
I’ve never even held one before.
We attend classes.
I make maternity and baby clothes.
Your father sands and paints the crib yellow.
Small clothes are washed and diapers are ready,
     but are we ready?