Our Wee One (for barbara)

And now we set another little ship asail:

See how proudly she dances on the waves,

So clean and pure and joyful in the sun!

Can we ready her for stormy days?

Will we set her course a steady one,

Teach her to move in faith through deep distress,

To weather the bitterness that loss may bring,

The battering blows, the dreadful calms ahead?

Pray she learn the serenity of Spring--

Courage to ride the many storms of life--

To ride them out alone, if such need be.

And pray that she find shelter when she needs it most,

In some tranquil, unknown port of sea.