DELVINA

She – wrapped in a silky pink cloth –

Adorable as the moon – a pretty little star

So peacefully sleeping – at the back of the car park

On that Monday afternoon as it rained –

Was carried by the woman who is her mother

A smile she brought on my heavy heart

So I complimented as I went to empty the bins

‘What an amazingly beautiful baby’!

But this woman looked up and wept

So I stopped to understand why

‘Beauty gives no shelter and beauty is no luck’

Pain was felt through each word she uttered

A story of hopelessness and desperation –

And I wondered why I had said a word

Wrapped in my arms was this woman

Her baby beside us – sleeping still

Putting aside my own discomfort

I chose carefully each word – to give her hope

Sleeping so serenely was this baby – it looked like

The heavens were promising a brighter tomorrow  

 ‘You must keep strong, at least for her’

I forced the words out of my broken heart

Another hug gave I to this poor soul

As I went back into my own misery of work

Tears in my heart while smiling to customers

I marvelled at the heaviness of the hearts of men

I wondered if I had done enough

So I went back with the only thing I had –

‘No, please, take it back’ she said

Firmly refusing my offer – and I

Told her tomorrow would be better

Because Delvina slept peacefully under such heavy rain