In Fear of Separation, A Selfish View

I send out my book as I send out my child,

Stuffed so full of glee, despair,

Of love and agony

Of heart,

Of nights awake and joy and fear,

With pride and dread

At the secret part

Of me the world might see.

Will they survive the burning flames,

The doubts of men,

New thoughts, new names,

That I did not intend?

And will they come to me again

Beloved or shamed?

And if I mend

Will I be cursed, or blamed?