Little Joanne, Little Joanne,
You looked an angel asleep in your pram.
A West Indian mum a West Indian dad
Your hair like a packet of Brillo pads.
We took you in and gave you a home
For six long years you were one of our own.
My wife made your dress, you made your own mess
Bathed your knees when in distress.
Then off to school when old enough,
Crossing the road, look out for that bus!
Happy and jolly, neat and smart,
Oh what a pity we had to part.
My wife had died, we were alone
No longer could you stay in our home.
Off to New York, you had people there
In smart red shoes and neatly brushed hair.
You flew by big jet, out of Heathrow
You waved goodbye as I watched you go.
You wrote a letter when you were ten,
But nothing`s been heard ever since then.
Grown up and married with kids of your own?
If I had your number I`d call on the phone.
Remember this Jo, remember this Jo,
I`ll never forget you wherever you go.
Author notes
Option 1. Hit with a double whammie. Losing my wife and foster daughter in one go. Joanne de Boulay was the daughter of a student nurse and an itinerant musician. My wife was unable to have chldren through chronic ill health so this little girl became as our own.
Moving from rural Derbyshire, England, to the Bronx must have been a bit of a culture shock.
On an up note. Her mother moved to New York as soon as she had qualified and married Joanne`s biological father there.
Written September 1st, 2006
A contest entry
- We Are Becoming Foster Parents and Adopting! Celebrate With Us! by Melissa Powell.
300 points, ended November 11, 2006, 11 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Tears by bigXfatXemo.
525 points, ended April 17, 2007, 31 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 10 of 10
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Touching
This was so beautiful, I could really see just how much love there was here. Your poem reminded me so much of my own foster sister, who had to leave us when my Dad died. I lost contact but recently, completely randomly ran into her and discovered she had just had a baby. I really hope one day you will be reunited with your little girl.
I loved how you talked about her, it was so sweet. I'm really sorry for both your losses. All the best to you, and good luck in my contest =]
Frankie xXx
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very good
life is but memory making ,i am sure this child will grow up with many happy ones to pass on to her own children one day thanks to you and your wife.dont look back in sadness but smile in the warmth of the love you all shared. -
I am sitting here reading this to my husband, crying!
This was so moving and touching my friend!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! -
Fostering can be a delightful experience. Sorry mine had such a sad ending, but that`s life and I wish you every success with your family.
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Just had to read this again. You so wonderfully portray your feelings here. It is a sad story, yet your part in her life surely had a positive influence. Some things we'll never know...but surely in our hearts, we know!!
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Wow...what a heartfelt write!! I truly appreciate you sharing this. Thank you so much for entering!
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excellent
It takes a special person to be a foster parent, knowing that at any time a child that you have become attached to could be taken away. -
Oh this is truly the saddest write I have read in a while...Your emotions came through very strongly...
Thanks for entering and good luck in the contest
Much Love
Tessa -
How sad to lose touch like that, but I am glad at least her natural parents found each other again. I am sure she will have fond memories of the years she spent with you. Lovely poem.
Ann -
Then Joanne was blessed by heaven's angels to of had you and your wife to love and care for her when you did.Marvelous piece.~~Suseann
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