Often when you were a toddler,
And on occasion, when you got older
We played a game together
Our own version of peek-a-boo
Commencing with these words:
“Where’s Jamie at; Where’d Jamie go?”

Sometimes, you’d be right in front of me
Other times, you’d be across the table
And when you weighed a little less
You’d be hanging on my back
I would cue you by repeating:
“Where’s Jamie at; Where’d Jamie go?”

You’d chuckle and giggle and squeal
At times, you’d hide
Other times, you’d confront me directly
And when I’d happen upon you
I would say:
“Oh there he is!”

Often when I was sick
And constantly now that I’m well
Amidst tears and tragic irony
We play our game
Only I can derive no joy from these words:
“Where’s Jamie at; Where’d Jamie go?”

And as I search; without, within
Every day more desperately
I am concluding
That always will I play
And never will I say:
“Oh, there he is!”

by Angela
©2002 Angela Bratton