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For a new baby

 A friend is holding a blessing circle, hosting us over zoom to celebrate in advance of the delivery date. For the newborn we send our individual prayers and petitions: 

"Every form of catechesis would do well to attend to the 'way of beauty' (via pulchritudinis).--Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel no. 167


Makers of love child, your knowing dream,

towing you in these Niagara moments--

In these storied nights swift approaching, as you lay tossed like a leaf on a river, may you together awe in the speeding quiet current.


In the Niagara a moment comes-- 
 the horizon surrenders--

May you, under the hypnosis of your sighs, womb churning, may you still find freedom when the incentive to live and grow is required.


Far from it -- the falls which still roars--still the gravity which bears you swiftly on

in the settling in, you will know you will make it work--

turns falling in their course, trusts latch, sustenances moving into this new birth.


As a leaf whorls past those whirlpools and rapids--

So to quiet a fingers clasp, those lids closed, yet opened--

May that toothless mouth hush and grow, hush and grow.


O sprig thrown to the Niagara--this is our admiration!

You will suffice. You will have what it takes. Feeling alone, unsure, faking it, forcing that new self of yours--as parent--to emerge afloat.


No road, no bridge beholding the Niagara--can fully know it.

May the celebrated moments you secret,

that latch, that gain of ounces, the patch of sleep, 

be victories of you parenting these mighty waters.


Will we be there for you? We will. 

Can we keep connected with you? 

We will (never) not let you go!  

The meal that arrives with a note, 

the echoing check-ins, 'how's your sleep'? 

Forgive us bumbling carers our little extras and repetitions: we love you!

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