Poem: Legacy of an Adopted Child

At BPAR, we are always trying to find resources that help to reflect the experiences of our clients. We keep this poem close by as it speaks so beautifully about such an emotional topic. It touches upon many themes that come up regularly for our clients – identity, divided loyalty, and loss. We also love how it honors both mothers – birth and adoptive. We hope that you are able to use it and enjoy it as much as we do!

Legacy of an Adopted Child (Author unknown)

Once there were two women who never knew each other,
One – you do not remember, the other you call mother.
Two different lives shaped to make yours,
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.
The first gave you life, and the second taught you to live in it.
The first gave you a need for love and the second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality; the other gave you a name.
One gave you the seed of talent; the other gave you an aim.
One gave you emotions; the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile; the other dried your tears.
One gave you up – that’s all she could do.
The other prayed for a child and God led her straight to you.
Now you ask through all your tears the age-old question through the years;
Heredity or environment – which are you a product of?
Neither, my darling – neither – just two different kinds of love.

Posted by Kelly DiBenedetto, LMHC, ATR