i wrote this poem as part of a ritual of release for my lost babies. the ritual was a final step in my inward preparation for the birth of my son, griffin.

written as a release for the spirits of 28 lost babies, june 6, 1999, 1pm, in preparation for the birth of griffin mead houng (born unassisted at home july 11, 1999)

you gave me joy
you gave me sorrow
you brought me laughter
you brought me tears
you taught me to look for tomorrow
you taught me how to face my fears
i've carried you deep inside my heart
but now it's time to let you go
i need to care for those who are here
make room in my heart for love to grow
it doesn't make me less your mother--
that i'll always be
but it's time for me to stop holding you here
released to the great wheel
your souls set free
perhaps somelife we'll meet again
and see, and love, and know
but now the hole in my heart must be filled
by the loves of this life who need me now
farewell little angels--i've held you too long
my need to mother you is past
i thank you for the gifts you've brought me
now i feel the healing at last
blessings to each upon your journey
from life to life in the hoop of time
i release you from my grasp
i no longer need to call you "mine"

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