Child

Child has the inalienable right to be loved,
For who he is, for her own being.
Not what he can become, or what she does well,
or what Child represents in the grown-up's universe.
Too tall, too short, too fat, too skinny,
Too quiet, too noisy, too stupid, too naughty,
Her eyes are too small, his ears stick out,
She's too dark, he's too fair - too ugly.
The litany of unmet expectations and exacting judgments
Obscure the fact that Child is perfect!
As is. Not one freckle more or less.
Regardless of shortcomings, disabilities, size, shape, form or sex.
In spite of the circumstances of birth, good and bad.
Child is a priceless gift, to be cherished,
Savoured each passing day,
From first smile to first word to first date.
Clothed in loving affirmation, she will grow, he will mature
Into the image and likeness of each parent's best self.
The world a playground and safe haven
Where Child is creator, giving birth to new life
Every single day.