The Empty Cradle

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Resting in a hallowed space within a special room,
an empty cradle holds a place in shadows and the gloom.
I come here when I have the need to let my thoughts flow free...
through the mists of time and deed to when you dwelt in me.

Precious little one of mine, you now wait up above ~
borne in angels' arms divine and basking in their love.
How I longed to hold you, croon, and nurture you along,
until you'd grown into full bloom, both self assured and strong.

To feel you suckling at my breast and listen to your coo ~
sit vigilant through fevered rest to soothe and comfort you.
Or watch you in your cradle sleep, safe and loved and warm,
nestled in and dreaming deep, a woman yet unformed.

Beloved babe, you saw me not, and yet I loved you so...
throughout my life ~ across each thought ~ your tiny footprints go.
From the moment I was told you slumbered deep inside,
you drew me back into life's fold and would not be denied.

Within me though the doctors warned you surely could not live,
you waged a battle to be born beyond the time they'd give.
And we shared secrets from the start, my little unborn one,
of your world deep within my heart and my world in the sun.

You filled my depths with joy untold and love beyond all measure...
defying odds, your movements bold, your every leap a treasure.
And though the days God granted you were few and quickly passing,
it was as if you knew this, too, and spent them free and laughing.

In that fleeting span of time you taught me much and well...
of joy and sorrow ~ yours and mine ~ of Heaven and of hell.
But when you'd finished, tiny one, shining here on earth,
your heartlight flickered and was done ~ and there would be no birth.

When your dear spirit left this life, the void you left behind
enshrouded me and blocked all light and happiness in kind.
Were it not for thoughts of you and joining you someday,
the chasm of my sorrow true is where my heart would stay.

This empty cradle meant for you would sear too deep to heal...
had I not the hope I do that's lasting and so real ~
a hope that springs from deep within where you once lived in me,
that I will go where you have been when earth's bonds set me free.

Be safe, my child, in Heaven's care, and wait for me, I pray...
'til God sees fit to take me there, I'll live my life His way.
Until the day when I last see the sun I told you of...
and we live on again as one ~ at last made whole by love.