you arrived midwinter
into the loving embrace
of young able parents
eager to nurture and
prepare you for a
hard edged world
filled with trepidation
and uncertainty
boasting citizenship
of two great nations
your honored presence
fearlessly extends
the lineage of proud
ancient clans
you are a favorite son
hailing from two continents
and a beloved descendant
of two joyous families
your face is a monument,
perfectly chiseled,
expressing the
bold features of
resilient ancestors
rich in the history
of struggle, conquests,
sorrows and countless joys
your blue streaked
eyes reflect the
gleaming vistas
of timeless
ancestral journeys
guided by high ideals
and noble aspirations
your suckling lips
bespeak smiles
of happiness
born from the
achievement of
a successful birth
and the warm embrace
from the ***** of
parental love
your blithe hair exudes
the fragrance of
melodious Irish poetry
your gifted hands
appear eager
to grasp the promise
of fine Bavarian
craftsmanship
your strong legs
limbered by
Scottish Highland trails
stand ready to conquer
the grandest Alpine peaks
your nose is filled
with the briny snort of
great expectations
European immigrants
inhaled during intrepid
Transatlantic passages
making a way to a New World
marking a family presence
that bestrides the expanse
of a great ocean
in your infant heart beats
with the possibilities
of our family’s
greatest aspirations
and fondest hope
within your DNA
stirs the passion of artists
the fortitude of workers
the faithfulness of farmers
the courage of warriors
the prayers of POWs
the casualties of war
survivors of great wars
reconstructors of
ravaged cities and
masters of industry
as you commence
your earthly walk
we pledge our
help, heart and hope
during your blessed sojourn
we offer up
holy hosannas
that your heart
may fill with a
thirst for truth,
beauty and love
may it overflow
with compassion
to serve humanity
and to stand firm
in the light of justice
may you always walk
as an upright man,
keen of vision,
eager to meet
challenges and seize
opportunity when it arises
may you create
a wholesome place
for yourself and others
by generously sharing
your presence and
the fruits of an
abundant life
may your mind discern
the right course of action
may you find
reward for your labor
and honor a hard day's work
may your soul
seek to affirm
the Holy Spirit in
all that you do
may you champion love
through a lifelong commitment
to the things you love
may you find
trusted friendship
in the companionship
with animals
may you walk softly
upon the earth and
be a conscientious
steward of its
miraculous provision
may you appreciate the
beauty of art, experience the
freedom of dance, be inspired
by the revelation of music,
find rejuvenation in athletics,
maintain physical health
and find a long active life
in clean living
may you attempt
difficult things
and be endowed with
intelligence, courage
and fortitude to
steadfastly meet
the challenges of life
and achieve
personal growth
may you receive solace
and garner strength from
a fathomless faith
may God’s
abiding grace
empower you to
perceive the
many miracles
each day richly
confers upon you
may you find
a soul mate
and trust in the
freedom and
beauty of love
may you too
be blessed
with children and
pass on the
good things you
were given by
your parents
and loved ones
may you experience
unconditional love
and unconditionally love
and please remember,
you are the miraculous
expression of a perfect love
may your perfection
light good pathways
throughout your life
as you find your way
in this imperfect world
with joy, reverence
love , hope and
deep gratitude
we welcome you
our dearest
Theo
God’s Blessing
be always with you
godspeed
Theodore James McCallum
February 5, 2016
In Ardua Tendit
Music Selection:
Wane Shorter: Infant Eyes
Herbie Hancock: Speak Like a Child
Thad Jones: A Child is Born
Claude Debussy: Children's Corner
Pops
Oakland
2/9/16
a poem to commemorate the arrival of my first grandchild