A Common Life

A Common Life

by Ray Lindquist*

 Waiting for a lab report,

Dependent on mysterious authorities,

Gazing at my daughter in hospital,

Her mother and I sharing a hard fellowship

I know a timeless, tribe-less circumstance:

I drive to the hospital in an eternal procession,

I eat in the snack bar among the whole human race;

My tears began 100,00 years ago

And will never stop.

A few years ago I would have found this poem depressing, but now I find it surprisingly comforting.  I add a mental addendum; God the Father has shared in every single tear parents have every shed over their children since the beginning of creation, and God the Father knows that ultimate pain of losing his only child.

*I found this poem with a collection of poems my mother collected- I have been unable to find any information about the author.  If anyone knows anything, drop me a line.