Poems
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George Edward Jenkins II

A collection of poems and other pieces of literature related to stillbirth/infant loss



Can You Be A Mother When Your Baby Is Not With You?
Author Unknown

I thought of you and closed my eyes 
And prayed to God today 
I asked "What makes a Mother?" 
And I know I heard Him say. 

"A Mother has a baby" 
This we know is true 
"But God can you be a Mother, 
When your baby's not with you?" 

"Yes, you can," He replied 
With confidence in His voice 
"I give many women babies, 
When they leave is not their choice. 

Some I send for a lifetime, 
And others for the day. 
And some I send to feel your womb, 
But there's no need to stay." 

"I just don't understand this God 
I want my baby to be here." 
He took a deep breath and cleared His throat, 
And then I saw the tear. 

"I wish I could show you, 
What your child is doing today. 
If you could see your child's smile, 
With all the other children and say... 

'We go to Earth to learn our lessons, 
Of love and life and fear. 
My Mommy loved me oh so much, 
I got to come straight here. 

I feel so lucky to have a Mom, 
Who had so much love for me. 
I learned my lessons very quickly, 
My Mommy set me free. 

I miss my Mommy oh so much, 
But I visit her every day. 
When she goes to sleep, 
On her pillow's where I lay 

I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek, 
And whisper in her ear. 
Mommy don't be sad today, 
I'm your baby and I'm here.' 

"So you see my dear sweet ones, 
your children are okay. 
Your babies are born here in My home, 
And this is where they'll stay. 

They'll wait for you with Me, 
Until your lesson's through. 
And on the day that you come home 
they'll be at the gates for you. 

So now you see what makes a Mother, 
It's the feeling in your heart 
it's the love you had so much of 
Right from the very start 

Though some on earth may not realize, 
you are a Mother. 
Until their time is done. 
They'll be up here with Me one day 
and know that you are the best one!" 

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When No Words Seem Appropriate

Written by a pediatric nurse and submitted to Ann Landers

I won't say, "I know how you feel" - because I don't. I've lost parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends, but I've never lost a child. So how can I say I know how you feel?

I won't say, "You'll get over it" - because you won't. Life will have to go on. The washing, cooking, cleaning, the common routine. These chores will take your mind off your loved one, but the hurt will still be there.

I won't say, "Your other children will be a comfort to you" - because they may not be. Many mothers I've talked to say that after they have lost a child, they easily lose their temper with their remaining children. Some even feel resentful that they're alive and healthy when the other child is not.

I won't say, "Never mind, you're young enough to have another baby" - because that won't help. A new baby cannot replace the one that you've lost. A new baby will fill your hours, keep you busy, give you sleepless nights. But it will not replace the one you've lost.

You may hear all these platitudes from your friends and relatives. They think they are helping. They don't know what else to say. You will find out who your true friends are at this time. Many will avoid you because they can't face you. Others will talk about the weather, the holidays and the school concert but never about how you're coping.

So what will I say?

I will say, "I'm here. I care. Anytime. Anywhere." I will talk about your loved one. We'll laugh about the good memories. I won't mind how long you grieve. I won't tell you to pull yourself together. No, I don't know how you feel - but with sharing, perhaps I will learn a little of what you are going through. And perhaps you'll feel comfortable with me and find your burden has eased. Try me.

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God's Lent Child

  "I'll lend you for a little while 
                      A child of mine," God said, 
                      "For you to love while he lives, 
                      And mourn for when he's dead." 
                      "It may be one or two years 
                      Or forty-two or -three; 
                      But will you, till I call him back, 
                      Take care of him for me?" 

    "He'll bring his charms to gladden you 
                      And (should his stay be brief) 
                      You'll have his lovely memories 
                      As a solace for your grief." 
                      "I cannot promise he will stay, 
                      Since ALL from earth return; 
                      But the lessons taught below 
                      I want this child to learn." 

    "I've looked the whole world over 
                      In search for teachers true; 
                      And from the things that crowd 
                      Life's lane--I've chosen you." 

    "Will you give him all your love? 
                      Nor think the labor vain? 
                      Nor hate me when I come to take 
                      The lent child back again?" 
                      "I fancied that I heard them say, 
                      'Dear Lord, Thy will be done. 
                      For joys Thy child will bring 
                      The risk of grief we'll run. 

    We will shelter him with tenderness, 
                      We'll love him while we may, 
                      And for the happiness we've known 
                      Forever grateful stay. 

    But should Thy angels call for him 
                      Much sooner than we've planned, 
                      We'll brave the grief that comes 
                      And try to understand." 

    Florence Carres

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Celebration

by Gail Fasolo

This day will be a celebration

of the short time you were here.

You will always be remembered

with great love and sometimes tears.

But only to feel pain and sorrow

Would not be quite fair to you.

Your life meant much more to me

More than I ever knew.

You were here so briefly

I wonder if you know

All the ways you've touched my world

Since the day God called you home.

Now, my child, you're an angel

With your heavenly Father above.

I see not only what I've lost

But my capacity of love.

There will always be a big void

My soul will grieve forever.

Will I forget to stop loving you?

No, not now...not ever.

As this day is upon me

Oh!

How my heart still hurts

But even as I mourn your death

I celebrate your birth.

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The Golden Gates

The golden gates were open

And heavenly Angels smiled

And with their tuneful harp string

Welcomed the little child.

They shouted "high and holy"

A child has entered in,

And safe from all temptation

A soul is sealed from sin.

They led her through the golden streets

On to the King of Kings,

And a glory fell upon Him

From the rustling of their wings.

The Saviour smiled upon her

As none on earth had smiled,

And Heaven's great glory shone around her

The little earth-born child.

On earth they missed the little one,

They mourned and wept and sighed,

And wondered if another such

As theirs had ever died.

Oh! had they seen through those high gates

The welcome that was given,

They never would have wished their child

Back from her home in Heaven.

          -author unknown

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Happy Birthday Angel

As we wake up in the morning

And your not here to see,

We grasp for some reality...

That our dreams will never be.

Well bake a cake and buy balloons,

Well burn a candle too.

Well play your music and look at pictures,

And shed some tears for you,

Well imagine what this day would bring,

If only you werent gone.

Youd run and laugh and jump about,

Wed sing the birthday song.

You should be here today,

Excited as can be...

Sifting through toys and wrap,

Bursting forth with glee...

But God had other plans for you,

These plans well never know.

Today the candle burns,

With no tiny lips to blow.

Well do our best to make it through

This day we meet with dread.

Well do this all for you my love...

On this road of grief we tread.

So on this day my precious son,

Youre birthday number one...

Youre in our thoughts and in our hearts

...as we send our love to you.

Written by: Sharon Kivisto, in memory of Taylor Ryan Kivisto