a song in the night

little silent one

a father’s-foot-long

swimming alone

in the darkness

of your private ocean

you kick your legs

clasp, unclasp your hands

exploring quietly

the dim waters

you inhabit

rocked to sleep

by womb-waves

as your mother

walks the dusty roads

around her home

marveling

at the miracle

she carries within

then a voice calls

not your mother’s

lulling alto

nor your months-mute

father loosed of tongue

an unfamiliar voice

yet a voice

that carries life itself!

suddenly your silent sea

resounds with sound

and your darkened dreamings

are flooded with soul-light

your eyes stare wide

your little mouth flies open

as the light finds rest

in your tiny racing heart

glory!

you sing in a language

beyond words

glory!

you spring up

on fire with joy

glory!

every particle alight

with praise

you run, you dance

you leap for gladness

and as you worship

womb-bound

the voice that

carries life

starts singing