Love Keeps the Door Open
An aunt’s lament
My nephew is missing —
he doesn’t want to be found.
He’s intent on changing his name —
to escape the failures that dashed him on the rocks.
I know —
his shame.
his fear.
I held my breath my entire life —
trying to keep madness
from escaping.
It’s not that simple.
You’re born with a set of genes
that can morph into anything.
I’m never sure I’m sane;
I keep my goal modest.
Contentment —
keeps me in the boat
when emotions gale.
I’m not sure there’s a cure
for persistent mental illness.
I know Love keeps the door open.
Friendship, community, and patient regard
Are the kindling that allows
Hope to ignite.
Come sit by the fire —
Warm your numbness.
Drift in and out —
your future
a safe harbor.
His father reassures me that my nephew is doing well, working, and has his own apartment. We have the same birthday which I celebrate with thoughts of him.
A year ago, Bonnie L. Boucek who has an unerring eye, reformatted this poem. I am in awe.
