Hymn of Creation

(The Flower and the Child)

by
Lois Francis


The flower and the child
praise God by their existence
unconscious of the prayer
they inspire.

O columbine
too perfect to be real,
yet real —
exquisite purple trumpet
crowned in crimson petal-hair —
you touch the heart and soar the soul,
and silently extol the gift of all creation.

Living prayer
mute testimony
of divine love —
visual alleluia.

O perfect child
each lash, each golden hair,
each smile,
each exquisite tiny fingernail
provides a glimpse of the heaven left behind,
you lift the heart and grace the soul,
and cry out loud the love of all creation.

Living prayer
sound testimony
of divine love —
sung alleluia.