In this collection of poems Dane explores his feelings around the births of his children. The first was written three days after the loss in late pregnancy of twin baby boys.
Next Time
In fields of green,
Walk my babies;
Ones I will never see,
For if there is a heaven
That’s where they will be;
Enjoying,
the freshness and peace
of Eternity.
Away from the fear and pollution
Of Life and Humanity.
Maybe next time we will get to meet,
and I will have
the joy and the pleasure
of being your Father
PRIDE
He was born on a misted morning,
a light kindled new in my life.
That small bundle I held in my arms,
blinking and yawning.
My shadow fell over his face
and he opened his eyes;
As my tears blurred my sight,
I looked into that shade of blue,
like a mirror of my own,
but;
So deep,
alive and clear.
Wide eyed innocence
staring at the world in wonder;
Reacting to sounds he had yet to know.
Trusting me totaly and needing me,
as much as I needed him to make my life complete.
In just four weeks I have seen him grow,
into a beautiful little man;
With the eyes of his father,
he smiles like only his mother can.
With his small gurgles and little sighs
his funny faces and flashing eyes.
As I sit looking at him;
With a burning pride in my heart
and clouds in my eyes;
I can’t help but wonder
what his life will fashion for him,
On that voyage into the future what will be his part ?
But here in the first chapter,
at the beginning of his life,
There is something I would like to write:
Morgan,
My son, with you I hope to share and see all the wonders of the world anew,
and no matter where you go or what you do.
Remember one thing:
Your Dad will never stop loving you.
30 October 1996
MY LITTLE CHINA DOLL
You arrived 5 weeks early and full of Life,
A little bundle crying a the light lying in your Mothers arms,
How proud I was when you tried turning your head to my voice,
If I had to pick my little girl you would be my choice.
So small and perfect,
My little china doll,
With brilliant blue eyes and skin so pale.
Your funny little noises that will soon be talking,
Long legs that all too soon will take you walking.
When that day comes your going to have fun,
with your brothers and sister and me and mum,
Already I can see in you what your going to be,
A Lady slim,
Tall and long legged,
Just like your mum.
Until then,
Your going to be loved and protected,
Taught all that is right and wrong,
I know that I’m going to be even prouder than I am now,
As I watch you grow
My little china doll
10 January 1998