Our Fragile Emissary
by Nancy Tupper Ling
With modern screening and such
they wonder why
you're here, on this earth
in our home
and in our arms,
after all, anyone
with any sense would have resolved
this problem of you
pre-birth, pre pain.
Blonde Beauty,
tiny as you are,
you catch their stares,
strangers' second glances
into tender baby blues.
And your young
sweet ears hear whisperings
("Down's," "defects")
words dropped loosely
at extra-chromosomed girls.
With such stinging receptions
how we long to shelter you,
surround you; keep your
gentle smiles to ourselves.
Instead, we hold you
up, for others to see;
let you, our fragile emissary
speak to an imperfect world.
by Nancy Tupper Ling
With modern screening and such
they wonder why
you're here, on this earth
in our home
and in our arms,
after all, anyone
with any sense would have resolved
this problem of you
pre-birth, pre pain.
Blonde Beauty,
tiny as you are,
you catch their stares,
strangers' second glances
into tender baby blues.
And your young
sweet ears hear whisperings
("Down's," "defects")
words dropped loosely
at extra-chromosomed girls.
With such stinging receptions
how we long to shelter you,
surround you; keep your
gentle smiles to ourselves.
Instead, we hold you
up, for others to see;
let you, our fragile emissary
speak to an imperfect world.
Posts
So beautiful Lisa. Just what I needed today. Thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteRachel
lovely and moving.
ReplyDeletejust beautiful.
i've missed you, friend.
Beautiful. I love it.
ReplyDeleteWow Lisa! Where did you get that? It's perfect...
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful XXX
ReplyDeleteI saw this poem on Amy Armstrong's facebook page (Larkin's Place blog) and on Life with My Special K's.
ReplyDeleteHere's a link for more on Nancy Tupper Ling: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/04/19/emotions_illustrated_vividly_in_childrens_book/
Bridget is so beautiful! Thank you for posting my poem. It's wonderful to know that it has touched people. I wrote it for my girlfriend's daughter, Alicia, and now there is a picture book about her too... in case you want to see it...please visit my website:
ReplyDeletewww.nancytupperling.com. Blessings!