Poem for Wilson

I hold you a little longer tonight, my son
As I see the tears of those parents who
lost their children
just down the road.

As I feel the veil of sadness and confusion
that consumes our community
I look at you
just a little longer.

I kiss you just a few more times,
feeling your skin on mine,
hoping I will never feel
the tremendous loss that comes from losing a child.

I listen carefully to your laughs
for you know nothing yet of tragedy and trauma;
your innocence
still intact.

As I hold your little hands, I am frightened for you.
Worried for the scars that you may endure
Hopeful that we will never experience such tragedy
Praying that your generation will find peace.

No words can express the sadness I feel for those parents
as my new-parent heart bleeds in pain of the threat
of losing such a precious gift.
I search for a way to cope with the thought.

So, I hold you a little longer tonight, my son.
I look at you just a little longer.
I kiss you just a few more times.
I listen carefully to your laughs.
And I hold your little hands in mine
with the fresh realization that every second of our time
is a gift that can be taken away with no warning.