By Lee Eustace
There once was a time you opened your eyes
and all those around you, they stopped and smiled.
For with a big huff, and a puff, and a moan,
you arrived in this world to show how you had grown.
And for a moment the world was still
as your loved ones dreamed of how they could fill
it with laughter and endless smiles
and all was well for that little while.
Soon you’d come home – wrapped against the sheets
to protect you from the wind, out on the streets.
For here you were, new to it all.
Reliant on those around you so that you didn’t fall.
And if you did, they’d lift you back up,
dust you off and shower you with love.
For, then, you were precious. And now you are, too.
You made all those people happy, just to see you.
To see you grow and play; tumble and fall.
If they had the chance, they’d watch you do it all.
Although your loved ones, might not always be there,
don’t ever think that means that they don’t care.
Sometimes they go and they work all day.
Staying late in the office, so the bills can be paid.
And when they have time, with you they will be.
Watching you run and play and grow to be free.
Lee Eustace (he/him) is a writer and poet whose work centres on the themes of relationships, social constructs, and culture. Lee is previously self-published in the creative nonfiction space and is now in the advanced stages of producing a debut novel, a collection of poetry, and a standalone collection of short stories. His works have found a home at Apricot Press, The Martello Journal, Please See Me, Free_The_Verse, Dipity Literary Magazine, Eunoia Review, and the London Wildlife Trust. Follow his Instagram @creativeleestorytelling for updates on his progress.
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