Saturday, November 21, 2009

Our Fragile Emissary

A poem by Nancy Tupper Ling

orange

With modern screening and such
they wonder why
you're here, on this earth
in our home
and in our arms,
after all, anyone
with any sense would have resolved
this problem of you
pre-birth, pre pain.

Blonde Beauty,
tiny as you are,
you catch their stares,
strangers' second glances
into tender baby blues.
And your young
sweet ears hear whisperings
("Down's," "defects")
words dropped loosely
at extra-chromosomed girls.

With such stinging receptions
how we long to shelter you,
surround you; keep your
gentle smiles to ourselves.
Instead, we hold you
up, for others to see;
let you, our fragile emissary
speak to an imperfect world.

photo by Artist Anaa

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

"words dropped loosely at extra-chromosomed girls" .....that line just grabbed me. thank you for the poem and the photograph. beverly j.

Lacey said...

Very, very sweet!

Anonymous said...

unknown, thank you for the touching poem. "words dropped loosely at extra-chromosomed girls." and "fragile emissary speak to an imperfect world." so well said.
I wish more could read this post.

Far Above Rubies said...

Thank you!!! Beautiful. xox

L.L. Barkat said...

this...

"fragile emissary
speak to an imperfect world"

yes.

Jennifer @ JenniferDukesLee.com said...

Beautiful. The poem, yes, but the photo even more!!!
Love that wee little bracelet on her arm, too. Precious!

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