Little One
Surely the saddest funerals or memorial services that we attend are for children. The verse below accounts one I led recently for some parishioners who are really friends as well.
Be warned – it may trigger emotions for some.
Little One
For Anonymous
(i)
Children heralded your coming.
We waited
As you were formed
Like seed sprouting
From succulent soil.
Then
We heard
The tender shoot
That is you
Had withered.
How the pain hit
Like scorching sun
Over a shoot
In a dreadful drought
The sandblasting wind
Buffeting us
Bruising our tender hearts,
Longing hearts,
That had
Been full
Of expectation.
So we handed you over,
Dear little one,
Handed you to
The refining fire.
The cleansing, burning, bright flames
To shine in our inner darkness.
There they sat
Your ashes.
For a time.
Until the summons,
The gathering of the clans
Who would come
With tears in eyes
But love in their hearts.
They were clad
In joyous
Verdant
Floral frocks
Brimming with life and colour.
They formed
A cushion
Of caressing care
To carry you
On the wings of prayer
To where angels dwell.
He has gone to join the angels
And is singing angelic song
Do not doubt his destination
For with God he does belong.
(ii)
And they carried others too
Those Colourful Companions of care.
They carried your parents
Who
Exhausted by their grief
Needed a fence of family
Around them
To keep the darkness out
Or hold them
In those dark moments
Of heavy eyelids
And limp limbs.
Little one
We will remember you
Please remember them
Who love you oh so dear.
But they may find some consolation
That you are loved so fully in heaven
As well as with us here.
Simon C.J. Falk 29 October 2014
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