termination

The Termination

Hallo Ann, let me tell you about your mother,
she was younger than I and a dancer 
She got a job dancing at a club in Madrid
alas, she was pregnant, that would not do
a doctor, was paid well and your life ended 
before you had dreams
I never saw your mother again, her name
was Maria, and she was beautiful
I never forgot you, thought of you as a girl
hence called you Ann.
I nursed you through childhood illnesses
changed your nappies and loved you.
Remember the first day at school, you
wouldn't let go of my hands until I promised
to sit outside and wait for you
when you were 12. it dawned on you that your dad
was a sad man who often drank too much
you sternly told him to stop this silly behavior
 and he did
I wanted you to go to university, become a doctor
dressed in white with a stethoscope around
around your neck or a lawyer defending the poor
My only education was the school of life
Had you wanted to become a hairdresser or 
a nanny, I would not love you less
Dear Ann, my love for you is endless
If I live to be very old, don't let me forget you
When I hoist anchor and start my voyage 
on the sea of forever, hold my hands, and let
I gently go