The Baptism Poem by Suu Casey Young

The date had been set for the baptism
of the young couples pride and joy.
They weren’t particularly religious -
but wanted the best for their baby boy.

The grandparents were delighted
that tradition was still being kept,
and Nonna, the Great Grandmother,
looked at old baby photos and wept.

“I will make him a special gown
so he can go before God with pride.”
“But Nonna, we want something modern”
the determined young mother cried.

Ah! But Nonna was hard of hearing
and from a pattern inside her head,
she started to tat each morning -
and every night before going to bed.

The sacrament day was getting nearer.
The young couple decided to be bold.
They would visit Nonna that evening,
for Nonna would just have to be told.

Having forgotten their initial displeasure,
Nonna was delighted to see them there.
“Today I finished the baptismal gown”,
she smiled at the frustrated pair.

While unwrapping the tissue paper
which enveloped the delicate gown,
she missed seeing the father shrug
at his wife’s beseeching frown.



Then Nonna gently passed it over -
a fastidious but beautiful work of art.
The couple stared, quite amazed,
both recognised a gift from the heart.

The old woman wiped her eyes,
trying to hold back emotional tears,
“It’s not modern or expensive,
but it will last for many years.”

“Every single stitch was blessed
so when God looks down from above,
he will see my great grandson,
wrapped in his families love.”

Family and friends were united
as the celebration of life took place,
and the joy of that occasion
radiated from Nonna’s face.