Our Fragile Emissary
by Nancy Tupper Ling
With modern screening and such
they wonder why
you're here, on this earth
in our home
and in our arms,
after all, anyone
with any sense would have resolved
this problem of you
pre-birth, pre pain.
Blonde Beauty,
tiny as you are,
you catch their stares,
strangers' second glances
into tender baby blues.
And your young
sweet ears hear whisperings
("Down's," "defects")
words dropped loosely
at extra-chromosomed girls.
With such stinging receptions
how we long to shelter you,
surround you; keep your
gentle smiles to ourselves.
Instead, we hold you
up, for others to see;
let you, our fragile emissary
speak to an imperfect world.
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Please credit the poet if you share her work ~ although it traveled widely through email among families when first written, I have not found a source online for the poem or her offer to share it.
Nancy Tupper Ling wrote the beautiful children's book,
My Sister, Alicia May, about two sisters, one who has Down syndrome. That story, like the poem above, is based on a dear friend's daughter, from the point of view of one of her sisters.
She is also known for a much admired book of poetry,
Laughter In My Tent: A Woman's Search for Family.
Pam W
SE of Seattle
Thoughts from the Middle of the Night Reaching Back, in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Children with Special Needs 
