Dear readers: I had to interrupt my self-imposed break for this little poem. It felt good to feel good about writing it.


To the new family: L, W, S, L and baby J. Three became five today.
Thanks be to God!



Promises, Promises

A heavy wooden door opens and
in she walks, black robe trailing.
The clerk yells "All rise."
just like they do on t.v.

First, the mundane details;
who,what,when,where.

Then the part we all have waited
two years for:
Do you promise?
Do you promise that you will
love them, care for them, educate them,
(kiss boo-boos, comfort their disappointments,
teach them to drive, practice spelling,
take pictures of their prom dates)?

A scratch on paper, a bang of the gavel.
Their little voices ask: "Can we
talk in the microphones? Please?"
Relieved laughter erupts!
Finally: no more foster-anything.
Forever Mom and Dad.

Afterwards in sunshine under blue skies,
we hug, high-five and talk about
scheduling baptisms.
We get to make more promises.
Finally.