before i was
and after i am not,
light lustrous
only light
and the One,
from beginning to beginning
i am,
as she died
the light gutters,
and after i am not.
after a baby’s death
This poem appears in the April 26, 2017 issue.
Since 1900, the Christian Century has published reporting, commentary, poetry, and essays on the role of faith in a pluralistic society.
© 2026 The Christian Century.
after a baby’s death
before i was
and after i am not,
light lustrous
only light
and the One,
from beginning to beginning
i am,
as she died
the light gutters,
and after i am not.
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