Waiting

Waiting As they call the names You hold your breath Another is spoken Another non-death One by one The parents feel relieved Others kept waiting Trying to believe The next name Will be your child's Each name called Sends your heart wild Waiting Praying dear Lord Let the next be my own Surrounded by people Feeling alone There are no words For the rushing pain Of each name called And having to wait again Will the one You long to hear Ever be called A clammy fear Just waiting Inspired by the tragedy of the recent tornado in Oklahoma City and dedicated to the parents who waited, St. Andrews United Methodist Church, to hear the name of children called.