To Ashley

by Pat McKim
Pfeiffer College
October 2009

To Ashley
From: Mommy
July 2008
“Mommy, I want to be a baby again” she says
Child with the dull eyes-Child who was old before she was young
“What do you mean child now my child?” born in my heart not in my womb
“I want to open my eyes—I did not do that before”
Tears fill my eyes
I weep for how could she know a child of 4 the wisdom of her soul
“Yes!” I want to shout “You must”
But the pain and the scars have shaped you my friend with you always forever Amen.
And yet I shout louder “they are not without hope”
For the scars will one day be the grace that Christ spoke!
I love you my child! Ashley is your name
Move Forth Bright eyes you are loved
Now proclaim!