Baby Noah

Amazingly, we have had little grief in our extended family but two years ago, my nephew and his wife lost their first baby. I wrote this for them, and now (I hope with their blessing) I offer it to the universe that it may help any others experiencing the loss of a child.

There is a place beneath my heart where you began.

Where we began, your Dad and I,

to love, to hope, to talk to you;

amazed we two had become three. Were soon to be a family.

And you, in turn, and in your way, let us know too, "Yes, I am here!"

Your wee heartbeat beneath my own,

a sign you were becoming, being,

striving to complete our world.

Our babe, an Angel? God decreed.

He changed His plan, despite our need,

left us bereft of you, our precious little one.

There is a place within our hearts where, tho you've gone,

the empty space you left behind wells up with joy, with gratitude,

that we did hold you in our arms

--if only for a little while--

and heart to heart, soft-kissed your brow, blessed you with tears,

named and knew you:

Noah

then, lovingly

we let you go

...safe...

to the arms

of those we love,

of those who wait,

who love you now

at Heaven's Gate.