Powerless

I hear a scream, a weakened cry

And run to be there by her side

I know at once the pain she wears

Is much more than a child should bear

I close the door and dim the light

I wrap her in my arms real tight

I cry her tears, I feel her pain

I wish to take it all away

I feel as though it's all my fault

I suffered many years myself

Still too young to understand

Her agony is in command

Powerless and so afraid

She cowers close, she seems so frail

I try to calm her racing heart

Without myself falling apart

For now her pain and fear are true

And I must help her see it through

I rock her back and forth and pray

That it won't last too long today

We lay together, close and still

I wipe away the tears that spill

From beautiful and frightened eyes

Her body all but paralyzed

I whisper in her tiny ear

That it's ok now, mommy's here

Close your eyes, it won't be long

And I will stay until it's gone

Her head pressed hard against my chest

She feels some comfort, starts to rest

She slowly drifts away to sleep

I watch her breathe, I softly weep