To A Dear Husband And Father Poem by Arabella Shaw

If you had wanted me, my love,
There's nothing I would hide.
If you had wanted me, my love,
You'd be here by my side.

If you had wanted me, my love,
The world would seem so bright -
For you, for me, for them, my love,
New birth, new hope, new light.

If only that were true, my love,
Your pain - and mine - would die.
But all you do is dream, my love,
Of years that have passed by.

The glint in her bright eyes, my love,
Is just a place to hide.
It hurts to make things right, my love,
It tears you open wide.

But now, to what expense, my love,
Your cowardice you find -
Your children hurt, forlorn, and broke -
Why did you leave their side?

Your children - they are all you need
To find that brighter light.
They hug, they kiss, they trust, my love,
They'll make your future bright!

To turn away and leave, my love,
To walk in that black night -
Is a deep and bitter end, my love,
For all within your sight.

If you had wanted me, my love,
There's nothing I wouldn't do.
I'd live and breath - and love YOU, love,
The way you want me to.

So stand up tall, and feel the love!
That all here have for you!
You're good - not bad! You're lost - not found!
Be strong. Be here. Be true.