For my (new) young ones III

little heart that’s in my care,

oh little heart I feel you there,

not fully formed yet,

barely dressed,

oh little heart I am impressed

by how intensely you can love and feel,

experiment with clouds and steel,

leap up behind the driving wheel

oh little heart I’ll keep you safe.

beating strong, you run the race,

determination etches along your face

in lines of laughter,

in scratches of pain

oh little heart it’s not in vain,

just come to me and sit beside,

look, here’s the map; I’ll be your guide,

and if you’re afraid, I know just where to hide -

oh little heart I’ll keep you safe.

little heart you’re so so young

oh little heart it’s just begun

I know it’s scary,

I know it’s dark,

but little heart you’re a kindling spark

and all you need is a breath of love

and your soul will be soaring with the stars above.

yes, precious heart, you’re perfect,

yes, little heart, come,

arms wide, mine are too, wider than I ever knew

they could stretch. make friends

and share your life, little heart:

you will always be safe with me.

Sparkles

A thousand sparkling eyes blink at me through the wet beads,

Glowing bright yellow as they close in,

Swooping down the wide grey path in ecstatic fury

And then they fade as they pass,

Forgetting me in their rush

And frantically hurrying on in search of some foreign goal,

Private to me, but all of them share the same one

Because they all pass me and carry on with no thought for what they’ve left behind

Though they probably surge along those same paths the next day

And follow the same way as me.

But still I do not understand them

And their silent eyes flicker to tease me as they glisten

In waves of light, and in dark blankets, too.

For My Young Ones II

Brave child, smile and don’t look down,

Life may be cruel, but wear your crown:

God is standing by your side,

God is there throughout the ride.

Strong child, look up and see the sky,

Life may be harsh, but it goes by:

God is here, to hold your hand,

God is behind you so you can stand.

Precious child, see Him, and listen too,

Life may be cold, but you’ll pull through:

God is stronger than all your pain,

God will refresh you, like the rain.

Beloved child, you’ll be okay,

Life is tough, but it’s all God’s way.

You are wonderful, just as you are,

God made you like he made the stars!

So stand up tall, be proud of who you are,

Trust God’s plan and you’ll go far.