To A Dear Child

Leaving away is not living without
The love for you, my dear child.
As you leave, I pray
That the place you are going to
Is a safe and welcoming place--
A home, not the kind you will be
Leaving behind...without you.
So, leave if you must, but know
That your leaving does not mean
My "letting go" of all that you are...
And all that you have become--
A most ideal angel of a child,
To me and your mother.

Know that we will be praying
That the Good Lord keep you--
In the palm of His Blessed Hand--always!
Come home when Home, my dear child
"Seems so far away...so very far away."
We're here...and near--keeping your bed
Always warm and made--nicely and neatly.