Delight or despair?
A call from the hospital.
Too early – and yet. . .
Hope and fear.
The anniversary of a birth
followed so shortly by a death.
God is the author of life
and for this child we have prayed
But. . .
God measures life against eternity.
Not so far-sighted – my perspective,
knowing God does not always answer
as I wish.
Fears – yet trust.
Trust – yet fears.
Bleeding.
The stuff of life draining away,
but a heartbeat steady and strong.
A tiny cry,
piercing, sharp,
different from any newborn I have heard,
yet alive, vigorous, protesting.
So tiny, this little life,
so vulnerable.
High-tech nursery,
artificial womb,
pinnacle of human skill
yet so much less
than womb designed by God.
Compassionate, professional care
for child and mother.
A little one squirming,
arms and legs rarely still,
tubes and wires attached.
Vulnerable
yet overflowing with life.
Arms that ache to hold
Cameras clicking, clicking,
trying to catch the magic
of each moment.
Needles, tubes, sensors,
wires and leads.
A mother rejoicing to hold
for the first time.
Triumphs, setbacks,
weariness, celebration.
And still the cameras click.
Fears – yet trust.
Trust – yet fears.
For this child we still pray.
Paige Ruth – a joyful name.
Young Assistant – Blessed Helper,
Companion – Faithful.
A Messenger of Hope.
Each day a little stronger
and hands that long to touch, to hold.
Fears – yet trust.
Trust – yet fears.
For this child we will pray
for God is the author of life,
the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Is there any gift more perfect
than a newborn babe?
Hope – in a broken world.
Joy – in a hospital’s corridors.
Love – in a young mother’s eyes
arms
heart.
And the father
with stilted words
says with body language
what lips and tongue cannot express.
Love – surrounding a little one,
cherishing her,
pouring life into her.
Not just from mother’s breast,
though very much from there.
Joy – in every motion,
every rise and fall of tiny chest,
curl of fingers,
stretching toes.
So much life
in such a tiny bundle.
And this story
though a million times told
is still so new, so fresh,
so brimming with life and promise.
And under all, God’s hand,
holding, protecting, loving.
The Creator Himself
intimately involved.
He knows her name,
watches each rise and fall of her chest,
each beat of her heart;
Wove her in her mother’s womb,
knit her together,
fearfully and wonderfully;
Loves her with the same fierce love
that chose a cross
rather then letting his people perish.
Fears – yet trust.
Trust – yet fears.
But GOD. . .
. . .
and that is enough.
Due April 9, but born March 5, we continue to rejoice in our newest granddaughter. She has been home from the hospital for a number of weeks now and is steadily gaining weight.

Looking for a place to feel inspired and challenged? Like to share a smile or a laugh? Interested in becoming more familiar with Canadian writers who have a Christian worldview? We are writers who live in different parts of Canada, see life from a variety of perspectives, and write in a number of genres. We share the goal of wanting to entertain and inspire you to be all you can be with God's help.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
Jonathan Goforth Missionaries Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth arrived in China in March 1888. Their assignment to open a new field in the ...
-
Incredulous! The couple couldn’t believe their ears. A large auctioneering company was not interested in their treasures. Now in their seve...
-
by Glynis M. Belec Last week I attended two funerals. One was for a respected gentleman from our church; a lovely 89 year o...
-
Find Lisa on Facebook here. A picture is worth a thousand words - at least that's what they say. If you're working to promote yo...
-
Yes or No could be so boring at times, can't it? To catch my drift on the topic, click on the video below: This clip is part of ...
-
R. A. Jaffray (Rob), born in Canada to Scottish immigrants, entered the New York Missionary training Institute at age 20. There, he came...
-
The unveiling of the long-awaited new generation – and hoped-for company saviour – of the Blackberry smartphone is all the buzz at t...
-
SILENCE Silence is golden, our grandmothers used to say. And though we don't often remember it, it is tru...
-
We are in a forty day march toward Easter — the most significant event in human history. During the season of Lent, there is great value...
-
An unrelenting knot in my stomach signals the beginning of my ...
3 comments:
Thank you Brian for this beautiful poem. Thank you for taking the time and the effort to post under difficult circumstances.
Judith
It's so good to read your work again, Brian. You've taken us into the heart of a very human situation, yet touched with a consciousness of the Divine.
Peter.
Brian, I am not usually a fan of poetry, but this is beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing it.
Blessings,
Eleanor
Post a Comment