For a Newborn

For a Newborn Baby

Dear one,

may all that is good find you in this world,

just as you have found us today/tonight.

This hour you unfolded our anxious hands

and we spread them in joy

as a bird spreads her wings.

You breathe the smell of mother's skin,

hear hushed voices saying

Welcome, long-awaited one!

Dear one, fresh from God's hands,

come into this room,

you have this place here among us,

this day, this night, in silence

and song, in word and substance,

in touch, breeze, warmth of sun

in morning tomorrow,

yes, morning!

and a morning after that one,

and many, many mornings.

Like the bird that comforts your mother's

heart after long winter,

you have come

and we sing words for you:

goodness, faith, endurance and hope; 

mountain, river, rain and blossom;

sky, tree, wind, and footfall; 

running, dancing, laughter, and hug; 

father, mother, sister, brother, 

auntie, uncle, cousin, friend, 

And joy.  And joy.  And joy!

--

I wrote this for my goddaughter, who is a beautiful 2-year old now.