Little Ones

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." Matthew 18:10-14

Little Ones

Slumbering the night air moving trees
dreams slide through the quiet startling me
awake with fear for my little ones.

Did I hear a cry in the night rising
slowing approaching heart fluttering bravery
lost to concern for these little ones.

Daylight and they wander off brave
with no brains or fear as yet darkness
settles and our nightmares begin.

I creep to the crib and all is safe breathing
lifts the sweet small chest and the breath
of an angel sour milk and freedom dreams
permeates the air.

I awake to know the heart of God beating
within mine aching to protect and shield
harboring the little ones
from those who would snatch and destroy.

Tonight the little ones are nestled warm
and snug in the heart of God and known in
a mother's trembling heart and grateful sigh.