For Sending a Child into the World

The world has waited long enough 
to hear your voice, 
to feel your feet treading with gentle curiosity, 
to see how you wear each adventure 
beyond the porchlight of home. 

You are always ready before I am, 
besting my instinct to keep you close. 
Thank God the world beckons you anyway, 
and the Spirit whispers a presence 
you cannot outlast.

Go, child, 
into the wild places 
where you will fail and fly and 
find newness of life. 
My heartstrings dance behind your figure 
like a kite tail rising in the wind, 
rejoicing in your freedom. 

(from Ordinary Blessings)