To My Child

How can I shelter you, my little one?
This world is so savage.
People stopped being people long ago,
and their love is no longer love.

You bloom and trust the light,
while I lie awake with dread and doubt.
How I wish to draw you from this cup---
bitter, brimming with poison---to keep you safe?

The mother in me quakes,
cries out in rage and despair...
After the tarnished coin,
even a brother betrays his brother!
Who will love you, my little one?
Who will dare so much?

When you grow, my guardianship will fade---
the vigilance, the faithfulness will end.
You will unfold your own wings,
carry your head high alone,
scale your mountains,
hungry with longing and thirst.
I will not shadow you forever,
but I will stay your friend---for all my days!