Christmas Baby

A peaceful, swaddled, sleepy form.

A downy head, a dimpled, starfish hand;

So helpless, pierces me with sudden love.

Grips my unready heart with iron band.

Behind that wide, unfocused gaze,

There lies, so infinite and deep

A mystery that quickens in my soul

As heavy eyes close in embracing sleep.

You stir, and give a fretful cry.

Some love and milk and stillness comes again.

If I could only keep you safe,

And guard you from your road of pain.

So helpless, I can only give you love

But you will turn, and leave me with my loss.

Love is so strong, it endures what must come.

The world awaits as you take up your cross.

And life will never be the same again.

This tiny form so fragile and so small

Contains a power that will change the world

And brings new life and meaning to us all.

AH