Poems and Prayers for the Very Young

I have an old copy of Poems and Prayers for the Very Young that I just happened to pull out and set beside the rocking chair in Dexter's room this weekend. Today, when Dexter began his usual tired fuss I began my routine of covering his face and walking around the room to calm him down. But, today he just wouldn't relax. So, I sat down in the chair, usually a big no-no, and decided to read a few poems, even if he wanted to cry and kick. The first poem didn't seem to have an effect, but by the third he had stopped kicking, and by a few more he was sound asleep. I tried it again this afternoon when the fussiness started again. Yep. Success.

When I was home last my mom had set out my baby book and this book was listed as one of my favorites. There must be something about the lilt of lullabies and children's poetry that really does have a calming effect on babies. Every language has lullabies, so there has to be something to it. Well, they certainly work on Dexter and they are quite pleasant and inspiring to read on my end. Here is my favorite:

A Child's Prayer

God, make my life a little light,
Within the world to glow;
A little flame that burneth bright,
Wherever I may go.

God, make my life a little flower,
That giveth joy to all;
Content to bloom in native bower,
Although the place be small.

God, make my life a little song,
That comforteth the sad,
That helpeth others to be strong,
And makes the singer glad.
-M Betham-Edwards