Sunday, June 7, 2015

“On the night you were born”

On the night you were born

I’ve learned that the journey of love and grief is unpredictable and can move you when you least expect it.  Tonight, as I do always, I read Riley books before bed.  She chose one that we haven’t read before – “On the night you were born” by Nancy Tillman.  The words were so sweet and moving, and brought me to tears by the first page.  I instantly thought of Quinn and the Hopi Prayer (which was included in her memorial and is on her prayer card that I carry around with me everywhere). 

Below, are the words to “On the night you were born” and to the Hopi Prayer.  I like the idea of nature and animals celebrating Quinn.  Even though she did not survive her birth, she is just as special as the words in the book describe.  Maybe she is out there somewhere…and if not…at least I have a moment of peace thinking she is. 

“On the night you were born” by Nancy Tillman

On the night you were born,
The moon smiled with such wonder
That the stars peeked in to see you
And the night wind whispered,
“Life will never be the same.”
Because there had never been anyone like you…ever in the world.
So enchanted with you were the wind and the rain
That they whispered the sound of your wonderful name.
It sailed through the farmland
High on the breeze…
Over the ocean…
And through the trees…
Until everyone heard it
And everyone knew
Of the one and only ever you.
Not once had there been such eyes,
Such a nose,
Such silly, wiggly, wonderful toes.
When the polar bears heard,
They danced until dawn.
From faraway places,
The geese flew home.
The moon stayed up until
Morning next day.
And none of the ladybugs flew away.
So whenever you doubt just how special you are
And you wonder who loves you, how much and how far,
Listen for geese honking high in the sky.
(They’re singing a song to remember you by.)
Or notice the bears asleep at the zoo.
(It’s because they’ve been dancing all night for you!)
Or drift off to sleep to the sound of the wind.
(Listen closely…it’s whispering your name again!)
If the moon stays up until morning one day,
Or a ladybug lands and decides to stay,
Or a little bird sits at your window awhile,
It’s because they’re all hoping to see you smile…
For never before in story or rhyme
(not even once upon a time)
Has the world ever known a you, my friend,
And it never will, not ever again…
Heaven blew every trumpet
And played every horn
On the wonderful, marvelous
Night you were born.
---
Hopi Prayer of the Soul’s Graduation

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight
On the ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.
My Spirit is still alive…

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