They asked me: “Do you understand
What you have signed today?
Your child is now a ward of court,
We’re taking her away.”
They said: “Please swear on oath to us
That you will never try
To ask for news, nor seek her out
Until the day you die.”
I said: “I do.” And then, “thank you”.
Though barely can I breathe.
I want them to think well of me,
My sin at last redeemed.
They said: “She’ll have a better life,
Your claim on her naive.
You must do what we know is right,
Although your heart still grieves.”
Years on, the grieving never dies,
I lock it deep inside.
But I will never forgive those
Who cast my pain aside.
Forever she is lost to me,
My weakness I despise.
The day I gave my child away
Light vanished in my eyes.