By Sarah Fain, inspired by the incarcerated men of Washington state, on behalf of husband, Anthony Fain.
Dear child, I need you to know
that even though we are apart,
the words I write today
come straight from my heart.
There is no distance
when it comes to the love I feel,
and there is no instance
where I don’t wish to hold you near.
I know I’ve been gone,
and please don’t think
it’s because you’ve done something wrong.
These bars I sit behind
are from my own doing.
It comes from a life
that I pray you never think of pursuing.
These chains that bind me,
the obstacles we face–
they steal from us both
day after day.
Forgive me, my love,
for the tears you’ve shed,
for the lonely nights,
and the fear in your head.
Please know that my heart,
though for it may roam,
it’s with you always.
it’s where you call home.
I hope you’ll forgive me
for the years that were lost,
for the pain that I caused,
for the wrong side of the coin
that my stupidity tossed.
Sorry for the missed birthdays.
I apologize for all the missed first days.
I envision the day I get to say:
the judge has made a decision.
No more overthinking in my head.
It’s real.
I get to tuck you in bed.
One day, my dear,
I’ll walk through the door.
And I’ll hold you again
and I’ll ask for no more.
Until that moment,
just know this is true:
every part of my soul
is sorry for you.
My child, I made a promise to you
that when I get out,
I’m going to make it right.
You and me together,
we are going to shine bright.