The night falls gentle upon the earth
but hard within the heart of a terror-filled child.
There is no peace this night
but a sentry-like awareness of
every noise, every movement
within the house.
A silent prayer is taken upon the wings
of the mourning dove
who waters the ground below with its tears
watching puddles form where each drop lands
forming a new ocean of sorrow.
There is no peace this night.
The tender child draws itself
into a tiny ball as if to disappear
... footsteps are heard in the hall
"please no" is whispered, "please go" is prayed
as the doorknob quietly turns.
There is no peace this night.
The dove soars higher, shaking sobs within its breast
penetrating clouds, gliding on wind
seeking its source
looking for the Light
knowing there will be no peace this night.
The shadow falls across
clenched fists, tousled curls,
drawn up limbs, eyes squeezed shut
against the scene about to unfold
scarcely breathing, knowing
there is no peace this night.
Feverishly winging toward
the rainbow of light and celestial destination,
the dove contracts and gasps with the pain
of its little charges' spirit
and delivers the message
To the being of Light & Beauty
who swoops down to grasp the hand of the child
and deliver its pain to another dimension
to be stored until the child is stronger
and able to face the reality of evil on the earth.
The angel cradles her charge,
gently rocking, while tears stream down her face...
mixing with the silent tears of the child.
The dove quietly sings its grievous song of mourning
for the lost innocence of this precious tot.
There is no peace this night.
