‘Have you ever thought of adoption?’

Your question is like a shotgun,

Suddenly pointed at my throat.

It’s a strange concept you promote.

Like when you’re dying for Pepsi,

But…okay then…you’ll settle for Coke?

 

‘Have you ever thought of adoption?’

Is your brain on auto suggestion?

I know you’re trying to help, being dutiful.

Something to soften the blow, you’re beautiful.

But when my dad died five years ago,

Did you say I should get another one? No.

 

‘Have you ever thought of adoption?’

Are you saying it’s just reselection?

Like when you said you’d always be a Man Utd Red,

But started following Man City when they scored more instead?

The child we wanted can’t be replaced with another,

Like I can't just replace an adopted child’s mother.

 

‘Have you ever thought of adoption?’

Yes, of course. But ‘no’ was my gut reaction.

When I found out that the only time I’d experience dilation,

Was in my pupils, from a lack of solar radiation,

While I cry in the dark without our child beside me,

And I can’t replace that need with another woman’s baby.

 

‘Have you ever thought of adoption?’

Your question is like a shotgun.

Next time it rises up to be asked in your throat.

Here's my advice for you. On behalf of us all.

 

Please.

 

Just.

 

Don't.

 Kate Smith

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay