Adversity

A Widow’s Lullaby at Winter Quarters, Makes Me Cry Every Time

I ran across this poem in an old Ensign magazine and felt it appropriate to share for Pregnancy and Infant Awareness Loss Day. Although many generations stand between her and the women of today, the bond of having experienced loss bridges the gap. Sending our love to all those families who have experienced pregnancy and or infant loss. –Robyn

A Widow’s Lullaby at Winter Quarters, 1846

By Edna S. Browne

Sleep, my little one—
Sleep while Mother dreams
Of your comely smile
And your small hands cupping my heart;
Of my completeness, holding you;
The happy burden of your trust;
My pride in your unfolding;
The wonders wished for you
Since our first touch.

Even here—
Here in this wind-whipped place,
This savage wilderness,
You have been my courage
And my star.

Sleep, my little one—
Sleep in your narrow bed
Under your coverlet of prairie sod
And stones gently piled …
Sleep, while Mother dreams
And weeps—
Walking the long, lonely miles ahead. 3 