He coughs at night so loudly, my body shakes
I’ve done what I could, I’ll do whatever it takes
My son is only twelve and he knows this pain
Why must this poor child lose his life in vain?
O, God! You look down here and see me praying
My son is my life, do you hear what I’m saying?
I hold back my own tears whenever he cries
My chest will burst out, crying away the lies
His hands are weak and his eyes are so red
Now I’m begging God to take my life instead
The fever is boiling his forehead, I’m afraid
These doctors say a cure cannot be made
Why do my hands shake when he smiles back?
Every time he coughs blood I get a heart attack
I beg again to make him smile, make him good
What else can one do? I pray and give him food
Now when I hold his hands he doesn’t respond
Did the weather make him sick or drinking pond
His breathe is slowing down, is this the end?
I’m breaking, like a thin twig that can’t bend
“A father like you is all I’d rather have,” he said
I hold back my cries and I try to keep him fed
Suddenly I hold him in my arms, kissing his head
Is he in heaven now, tell me God, is my son dead?
Show love to him, protect him from what harms
Maybe I can also rest, for he is now in Your arms
July 2018