The Ghost Child

"Look, Mommy! Look! Look what I made today!"
The Ghostchild excitedly holds his puppy made of clay.

While Mychild shouts, "I hate that school and I'm not going back."
And throws his clay into the trash.

"Look, Mommy! Look! Look what I wrote today!"
The Ghostchild proudly holds the worksheet where his name tops the page.

While Mychild shouts, "I hate that place. I'll never go back."
And tears up his paper and throws down his book bag.

"Hey Mom! Check this out! I signed up for the school play!"
The Ghostchild posts the schedule, right through opening day.

While Mychild was again sent home early
For disruptive behavior and being unruly.

"Hey Mom! Come see! I got my report card today!"
The Ghostchild's work had paid off...three B's and one A.

While Mychild's marks were mostly Incomplete's and F's
He was suspended on the day they took the big test.

"Hey Mom! Look! I passed the test, I can get my license today!"
The Ghostchild was making plans for a weekend date.

While Mychild doesn't qualify for a license of his own.
He quit school this year and in our State, that means no.

My house often feels haunted by a child I'll never know.
Mychild doesn't seem to care, doesn't want to grow.

A Ghostchild lurks in my mind, and in my heart
But, Mychild holds my soul and has from the start.

I'll always love Mychild that was given to me,
I'll too mourn The Ghostchild who never came to be.

Forever I'll feel the weight of the words once penned
The saddest four are these, "What might have been."