Talitha Cumi

by Connie Foy

“Talitha cumi,” the soft voice said.

“Awake, arise, and leave your bed.

Come with me, your body shed,

for God delights in the life you’ve led.”

Her pain was gone, and in its place

a gentle warmth now touched her face.

“Courageous child, look now at me

and know that God has set you free.”

Her eyes, once blind, now opened wide

to see who stood there by her side.

Her darkness gone, no longer night,

she wept for joy upon the sight.

Our Savior then did help her rise,

His face the first to greet her eyes.

As praises bubbled past her lips,

He gently squeezed her fingertips.

“Your songs are pleasant to the ear,

and We are glad to have you near.

Yet in Our love, another gift:

the presence here of those you’ve missed.”

He gestured then, and she turned ’round

to see them waiting to be found.

Father, mother, husband, brother,

bound by love for one another.

In Heaven now, these angels sing,

thanking God for everything.

Their songs are full of joy and laughter,

peace and love, forever after.

in memory of Margaret Susan Stansell Osborn (1918-2002)