Sunday, July 12, 2020

As a Child Enters the World

[For the birth of my first granddaughter, Ella Lynn].

As I enter my new family,
May they be delighted
At how their kindness
Comes into blossom.
Unknown to me and them,
May I be exactly the one
To restore in their forlorn places
New vitality and promise.
May the hearts of others
Hear again the music
In the lost echoes
Of their neglected wonder.
If my destiny is sheltered,
May the grace of this privilege
Reach and bless the other infants
Who are destined for torn places.
If my destiny is bleak,
May I find in myself
A secret stillness
And tranquility
Beneath the turmoil.
May my eyes never lose sight
Of why I have come here,
That I never be claimed
By the falsity of fear
Or eat the bread of bitterness.
In everything I do, think,
Feel, and say,
May I allow the light
Of the world I am leaving
To shine through and carry me home.

--John O'Donohue

2 comments:

  1. such a joy has entered your life and for that, we are so happy for you. In this time of terrible sickness and death,,this new little, precious life has arrived!!
    Send our love and prayers to Danielle and her husband.

    ReplyDelete

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