Beloved child

you are loved.
I love you.

you are not annoying.
I take delight in you.

you are not ugly.
you are beautiful.
I made you.

you are not a bother.
I take delight in you.

Beloved,
you are Mine.
Fear not.

you are not stupid.
you are simple.
I made you.

Beloved,
you are Mine.

you are not selfish.
you are innocent.
And I love you.

My child,
you are Mine.

Beloved child,
you are Mine.

By Lauren Smith

(Lauren Smith is a member of St. Paul Catholic Center in Bloomington.) †

The Criterion