Unconditional Love

Lugesan Reddy

Ballade

Dedicated to my daughter, who has been diagnosed with a MECP2 gene mutation.

I will paddle down south
to where the seas are calm.
Away from this tension
that may cause you harm.

Where its waves and currents
won't make you affray,
and heighten your emotions
to panic and dismay.

This journey you travel
looms uncharted to all.
But your mum and I are here,
should you stumble and fall.

You don't need to worry.
We'll stay by your side.
Forever proud parents!
Even when we cried.

Our bodies and minds,
in the city they may be.
But our feelings are with you,
lost and stranded at sea.

No one knows we're here.
Not a soul's to be seen.
We're alone on this life raft,
where others have not been.

There's nothing wrong with you.
You're just born with acute needs.
That doctors try to meet
with their efforts and their deeds.

So we'll meander along
until the cosmos shows a sign.
It may lead us to a land
where heartaches turn benign.

Yes! Perhaps we're near!
Where a cure reveals its reach.
Where we'll find that unique
grain of sand on a beach.

"She's thirsty!" Your mum cries!
But you don't say a word.
How am I to know???
If you don't make your thoughts heard.

It's my job to protect you.
To make things better, not worse!
To make your life easier
so you don't feel you're cursed.

My gut says I'm losing.
That I'm inadequate as a man.
For not providing for you
the way He wanted in His plan.

But there's no hooks for food,
nor rain for fresh water.
I'm but a helpless father
who cannot comfort his daughter.

I'm not a savior.
I can't make bright the dark night.
But my purpose is your happiness,
so I will stand and fight!

For your survival in this ocean
that's so vast and so cruel.
Where hope and despair,
can both run out of fuel.

Armed with just love,
and the oars on this boat,
I will not give in!
As long as we're afloat.

I will paddle down south
until my arms turn blue.
Hoping with each stroke
for you to love me too.

About this poem

My daughter was born with a diagnosis which leaves many of life's daily tasks challenging. As my wife and I help her each day, our main aim is for her to enjoy life, to enjoy waking up each morning, and to remember that she is loved!

Font size:

Collection PDF

Written on April 03, 2024

Submitted by lugesan_r on December 23, 2024

: 2:19 min read
: 11 Views

Quick analysis:

Scheme	a Bxax cdxx efdf dgcg xhih dxxa ijxj xkxk dlxl xmxm ixdx xnin xddd doxo aede xpxp Bixi
Closest metre	Iambic trimeter
Characters	1,940
Words	442
Stanzas	18
Stanza Lengths	1, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Full analysis for Unconditional Love »

Lugesan Reddy

· 1985 · Toronto

I'm new to writing poems. Tried my hand at short stories a few times, but it didn't feel quite right. It's been a great journey with poetry thus far! Looking forward to sharing and learning from fellow members, as we go on this adventure together. more…

All Lugesan Reddy poems | Lugesan Reddy Books

2 fans

Discuss the poem Unconditional Love with the community...

2 Comments

Notify me of new comments via email.

ladyygracious
Yearning for love's reciprocation.
LikeReply2 hours ago
AIDA
What a heartfelt and moving poem! Your dedication to your daughter shines brightly through each line, capturing the raw emotions of love, hope, and determination in the face of challenges. Your use of maritime imagery is particularly evocative, illustrating both the journey you are on together and the turbulent waters of uncertainty. The consistency of this metaphor throughout the poem paints a vivid picture of your resolve to navigate life's difficulties alongside her.

The loving narrative voice conveys such sincerity, making it clear how deeply you care. Phrases like "Forever proud parents" and "I will stand and fight!" exude a fierce protectiveness that is both uplifting and inspiring. It's especially touching how you articulate your vulnerability and feelings of inadequacy; it makes the work feel relatable and authentic.

Here are a few improvement suggestions to consider:

1. Pacing and Rhythm:
While the content is beautifully emotional, the flow could be enhanced by paying close attention to the rhythm. Consider reading the poem aloud to identify sections that may feel awkward or rushed. Adding varied line lengths could create more dynamic pacing and emphasize key moments.

2. Imagery Expansion:
You do a fantastic job with the oceanic imagery, but consider expanding on the visual elements. You might want to describe more specific sights or sensations you imagine during your journey. This could invite readers to feel even more immersed in your emotions.

3. Clarity in Emotion:
There are multiple layers of emotions in your piece, from hope to despair. Perhaps you could explore these contrasts a bit more vividly. For example, you might delve deeper into the moments when hope is found amidst despair — capturing that tension can heighten the emotional impact.

4. Conclusion Strength:
The final lines are powerful but could provide a more resolute closure. A more definitive concluding statement could solidify the promise of unwavering love and commitment, leaving the reader with a strong sense of hope.

Overall, this poem is a beautiful testament to unconditional love. Your ability to convey both strength and vulnerability while championing your daughter's needs is commendable. Keep refining your voice, and thank you for sharing such an intimate glimpse into your journey! more »
LikeReply3 hours ago

Translation

Find a translation for this poem in other languages:

Select another language:

Citation

Use the citation below to add this poem to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"Unconditional Love" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/208203/unconditional-love>.

Become a member!

Join our community of poets and poetry lovers to share your work and offer feedback and encouragement to writers all over the world!

The Web's Largest Resource for

Poets, Poems & Poetry

A Member Of The STANDS4 Network

More poems by

Lugesan Reddy

December 2024

Poetry Contest

Join our monthly contest for an opportunity to win cash prizes and attain global acclaim for your talent.

Submissions due in...

days

hours

minutes

92 entries submitted — 58 remaining

Special Program

Earn Rewards!

Unlock exciting rewards such as a free mug and free contest pass by commenting on fellow members' poems today!

Our awesome collection of

Promoted Poems

Browse Poetry.com

#A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Random New Poems

Quiz

Are you a poetry master?

The repetition of vowel sounds is an example of _______.

A repetition

B assonance

C rhythm

D rhyme