Child

CHILD

Child, you were nourished nine months
while your mother grew
Skilfully you were removed from that home

Child, tube-fed in an incubator,
you would not learn to suck
till illness and hunger forced

Child, you lived and fought three weeks
resisting pain, refusing death
till in the end your heart gave way

Child, you gave us three and a half weeks
of memories our minds will cherish
long after the tears have dried

Child, we are happy you came to us
We praise God for the joy you brought
into all of our lives

Child, beneath the soil of your little garden
you have staked for us a place
in the cemetery we love

Child, you only saw faces masked
and women who wore white aprons
outside your oxygenated hot-house

Child we don't know the reason
why you came but only thank you
that you came

Child, our child, our first, we pray
remember us with love as now you sleep
We who remain awake remember you

© Gerald England

Composed: Oldham, 25th October 1975

Publications

1976 MEETINGS AT THE MOOR'S EDGE (West Kirkby, Headland)
1976 Pennine Platform (UK)
1977 Compassionate Friends Newsletter (UK)
1990 International Poetry Suplemento (USA)