Darkness engulfs me.
Bitterness and loneliness play freeze tag
Throughout a sleepless night.
At dawn, the pitter-patter of little feet.
Her tiny arms envelop me.
Warmth flows from her pressed cheek to mine.

“Good morning, Mommy.”

Her words linger like a melody,
As sunrise ignites hope for the new day.

Carrie Backer enjoys writing in her very little spare time. She has self-published a couple of kids books and hopes to write more soon.