Elisha's Christening (To Elisha Jade Malone) Poem by Danny Draper

Christening by celebrant
beneath the tree
Autumnal warmth and nor-easterly
in the sacred back yard where
families and friends
gathered to be
in the informal shrine and its sanctity
of freedom, isolation, sanctuary
individualism and community
with roof of sky and floor of garden
assured and relaxed in the comfort of familiarity.
Generations entwine and tangle
The weary, retired, working and growing
To honour the future, the passage the flow
Pregnant, babies, toddlers, school age
Looked to the baby and words uttered
Included, welcomed, nurtured, vowed to protect
To love, and grow into family and community
Our commitment
All wishes for the future
Wherever it may go.
Food and drink and company followed,
The fellowship of the yard.
Gifts bestowed, children played
Until people departed as they had came
But taking away a new little name.
Light dimmed through the foliage crown
Branches outstretched embraced the night
A mother's arms to secure the babe,
In the light of family and community
To guide and show the way.
A life blessed newly with peace,
May it be the essence
Of this Sunday afternoon.


28/3/2004