A Mothers Pain Poem by jeannetta harris

I see him struggle-trying to get the words out
The pain the frustration unable to convey his thoughts
The angry outbursts-the depression -the anxiety
Ridiculed shunned always the outcast-the scapegoat
Stumbling in the dark looking for a faint glimmer of light
Ashamed to try - I can’t do it is his first response
With step by step instructions -and a little coaxing
Hesitant at first -he does-he fails-he tries again
All the while he knows- I am there by his side
Ready to lend a helping hand-to cushion his fall
I have seen the pain in his eyes—the tears on his cheeks
Asking why me --struggling to understand

How does a mother explain to her child
How can I help him to understand his illness
It is I who now struggles to find the words
Longing to see smiles instead of frowns
Fighting to get back my bouncing baby boy
I know the child he once was is in there
Lost in the dark abyss of his mind
Till then I will be here waiting- lantern in hand
Knowing he will find his way out of the darkness
Only to stand tall and bask in the light