My First Born Child

No, this child can't go home today,

Her mother is unmarried and her father walked away.

He walked away and left her helpless and forlorn,

Abandoned and rejected, ridiculed and scorned.

Her family then decided she must be sent away.

No crueler fate could happen to a girl on that day.

She could not bear to cause them pain, and so she had to go.

She left them quietly in her shame. The neighbors must not know.

No, she won't be going home today. Her mother had to leave.

She signed the papers yesterday; they told her not to grieve.

They brought the baby to her one time to kiss and say goodbye.

She held her as her tears fell, but no one saw her cry.

No one saw, and no one cared. After all she was unwed.

It was not done. It could not be, and no more need be said.

She walked away with head bowed low. Her heart could not endure the pain.

She sadly knew from this day forth, her life would never be the same.

It wasn't easy, but she tried to build her life anew.

She married, and she had more children - two. 

But always on her birthday, her mother's heart was torn

remembering the agony of surrendering her firstborn.

She prayed for her and wondered often through the years

Just who was there to hold her and wipe away her tears.

And would she ever understand just why she had to go?

She wanted her to know somehow that she had loved her so.

The years flew by, and then one day that special phone call came.

A young woman's voice with questions and the birth date was the same.

Her whole world stopped. Her heart stood still. Could it finally be true?

The child she had to leave behind she finally found her, too.

Oh how amazing and what joy! She could not wait to see

the pictures that she sent of her, her husband and family.

And when she found the one of her, she could only stop and stare.

With trembling hands she knew, God truly answers prayer.

So now at last she's coming home. No longer is there shame.

Her soul is filled with gladness this new daughter now to claim.

She's coming home; she's coming home her broken heart just sings.

And now she wonders just where it was God hid that searcher's wings.

Bonnie Geddes

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