A Parents Anguish

I cannot bear the pain
the agony of those so dear.
It's not my pain but theirs
that tears at my being.

Their frustrations, their fear.
Their heartache is transmitted to me
as if the cord of life is
attached to my heart.

Can the bond be broken?
I think not.
With each tear I flinch
as they drop like blood
from a wound.

A shattered look is like a knife
thrust into my soul,
and yet I know
they have to suffer.

Could I but ease the pain,
to buffer the fear,
I'd give my very life
And this I have done, and suddenly
I'm old and empty,
for I cannot shield them.

I've given my life for naught,
for pain sneaks past me.
It stabs like sharp fingers of cold
stealing through cracks
round a window.

And my fight...
ah...my fight has been in vain.
My love for them remains, and true .

I'll dry their tears and
reach out to comfort.
I'll ache for them 'til
my last breath is drawn
and there will be no more,
No More Pain.