In honor of World Poetry Day, we’re celebrating adoption poetry! The great thing about adoption poetry is that it’s usually written by folks just like you. And what better way than poetry to describe the beautiful and complicated miracle of adoption?

Below, you’ll find a popular adoption poem that describes a child who does not know his birth mother and also a list of links to find more adoption poetry!

Legacy of an Adopted Child

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.
One became your guiding star; the other became your sun.

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, it was all that she could do.
The other prayed for a child and God led her straight to you.

And now you ask me through your tears.
The age-old questions through the years:
Heredity or environment, which are you a product of?
Neither my child, neither; just two different kinds of love.

Anonymous

Other Adoption Poetry Sources:

  • Poets on Adoption is a blog devoted to sharing adoption poetry. They also talk to the poets themselves to learn about the stories behind the poetry.
  • Family Friend Poems is a site that prides itself on collecting poems from regular people. The have a small collection of adoption poems as well.
  • Scrapbook.com is a site for scrapbooking. But they also have a library of resources, including adoption poems.
  • Birth Mothers Unite is an online resource for birth mothers and includes some inspiring adoption poetry.
  • ComeUnity.com is a parenting support site for adoption and special needs children. They also have a collection of adoption poems.
  • About.com even has an article with links to great adoption poetry.