Too early and perhaps too young, she stands
alone and yet surrounded, hands outstretched.
All my attempts to make a difference fail;
my smiles are insufficient and my games
cannot cut through her tears. Only her carer’s
arms can placate her fears and anchor her.

Once, as a child I lost my way, turned right instead
of left. Before I knew it, I found myself
out by the flat horizonless fenland fields.
Realising what had happened, I backtracked,
quickly returning down the road I’d taken.
The waves of doubt lingered ’till I got home.

An adult now, I sometimes find myself
cast off and at the mercy of the deep.
I’m not the first to sail these waters, nor shall
I be the last. This does not stop the waves.
Aware of rocks, I scan the sea for signs
of you, knowing no peace until I’m home.

Inspired by a child at Toddlers today, who was inconsolable unless she was in her carer’s arms.
(07.05.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Ryunosuke Kikuno on Unsplash