Angels Talk
I walked into her room that night
--my sunny little girl's--
And found her tucked away in bed,
her pillow piled with curls.
But her eyes were filled with dewy mists,
and creases marred her brow,
My heart cried out to see her thus,
to ease her fears, somehow.
"Daddy, what are angels?"
I heard my daughter say.
"Are they scary? Can they hurt me?
Are they friendly? Do they play?"
Then a thousand thoughts ran
through my mind as I settled by her side,
But no words came forth as I shuddered
and sought to stem a tearful tide.
So, I gently wrapped her
in my arms to chase away the fear,
And with struggling speech,
I tried to make the truth of angels clear.
I spoke to her of Seraphim and the Cherubim of old,
Of all I could remember 'bout the stories I'd been told.
And gazing up she gently smiled;
so warm that smile did feel.
"No, Daddy, what I want to know
is are the angels real?"
For an instant I was at a loss;
I knew not where to start.
Then I heard a voice speak softly,
"Tell her truly from your heart."
So, I hugged her tight and told her
of a wonderful Father's love,
How He sent His angels to announce
the birth of His Son from above.
I painted pictures in her head
of angels battling foes,
Defeating Satan's minions
and easing mankind's woes.
I told her of special angels
who guard us in the night,
Who shelter us within their grasp
when Daddy's not in sight.
Then I shaped before her wondering eyes
the angels with whom we play.
Though we may never see them,
they protect us in the day.
I shared with her the times I felt
that angels touched my life,
The dangers passed through safely,
and the victory over strife.
The little things that caught my eye
and brought me joy or peace
Were instances of their handiwork
from which they never cease.
For a time, we talked of Jesus
and His endless loving grace,
Of the wonders up in heaven
where for us He makes a place.
Then I quietly spoke of angels
who greet us up on high
And lead us to dear Jesus
when it's our time to die.
With eyelids almost closed now,
and comfort felt at last,
I tucked her snuggly back in bed,
her time of fear now past.
Closing the door to her hospital room,
within my heart I knew,
There were angels watching my little girl,
and they would see her through.
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