In Bed at Night

In bed at night I worry about your kid.  

I wonder if anyone hugged them today.  Did you tell them you loved them? 

I wonder if they had enough food to eat.  Did they come home to an empty house? 

I wonder if they hid from you and cut themselves. Are they bleeding, while you watch TV downstairs?

I wonder if they are lying awake contemplating suicide. Are they crying in bed?

I wonder if you know about the nightmares and how they stare into the dark. 

I wonder if you know about the failing grades and how worried they are to disappoint you.  

I wonder if you know how lonely they are, and how they feel like no one understands. 

I wonder if you know about the boy they like and how he pressures them to have sex. 

In bed at night I say a prayer for your kid. I ask God to hold them safe and to help me reach them. 

In bed at night I say a prayer for me.  I ask God to give me strength to show up for your kid.  

In the light of day I give them snacks.  

I talk to them about their grades.  

I tell them not to text and drive. 

I listen to them talk about suicide and cutting.

I hear about nightmares.  

I hear about the boys they like. 

I talk to them about safe sex.  

I hear about you. 

I hear about their hope and dreams.

  

I hear about their hurts and fears.  

I hug them and send them back into the world.  

In bed at night I cry for your kid.  

In bed at night I worry about your kid and I know that I have done all I can.