Poetry by Charlie Gould

DIARY

Will my children know that I
Loved them 'till the day I died?
Will they think of me and smile
After I've been gone a while?

Will they realize the joy
That I got from each little toy
They opened - and in fits of glee
Reached up and gave a hug to me?

Can I measure what they meant
As my energy got spent
Dealing with this dread disease
Yet watching them grow-up with ease?

I wonder if I told them now

If they would fathom just quite how
They hold me in their youthful grip,
As my body starts to slip.
I cling to them like bark to tree,
Reaching out so I can see
That when this battle is finally done -
Their memories will be of fun!

--Charlie Gould*

*"Works and plays well with others, and does not eat his young."