'The Long Wait' Poem by Cristina Parisien

The clock ticked slow, a frantic nine,
My daughter gone, a fear entwined.
My parents searched, with worried eyes,
A mother's heart, a silent cries.

The hours crawled, a shadowed space,
Each moment stretched, a painful race.
Prayers ascended, a whispered plea,
'God, bring her home, safe to me.'

Then, five o'clock, a blessed sight,
My darling child, bathed in warm light.
At Jollibee, with brother near,
A wave of relief, washed away fear.

Tears of joy, a torrent free,
My heart soared high, eternally.
'Where were you, dear? ' I softly said,
'The mall, ' she smiled, 'no cause for dread.'

Through anxious hours, God heard my call,
My precious daughter, safe and tall.
My gratitude, a boundless stream,
A mother's love, a waking dream.