Sunday, August 24, 2008

all the birds of this day sing a song, sing a song


In August, I stock up on candles. "What is it, exactly, about November that is so-o-o romantic?" I often think to myself (counting nine months back) while signing card after card for various friends and family members celebrating their own end of summer birthdays within just a couple of weeks of each other. Today it was three-year-old Mary's turn and she drank in the attention, the serenading, the icing, and the presents with such delight.

Oh, undeserved sweetness and light,
stay by my side.
We will go out in the morning now,
a crown of maple leaves, a crown of flowers
circling your sweet head.
Happy birthday, beautiful,
in the streets of this day
play a song, play a song.

- Innocence Mission

5 comments:

Fr. Christian Mathis said...

You know....when I first came across your writing, the music I associated it with was the innocence mission. good intuition I suppose. more importantly....good music.

Anonymous said...

Yep, I second what Fr. Mathis said. Great song pic for this post, it's beautiful.

my own end-of-summer birthday is right around the corner and so it's extra fun to read these birthday posts. Thanks.

swede said...

Oh my goodness. That is the most adorable picture - I am so sad I wasn't there!

Molly Sabourin said...

Yes, indeed...very good music. I have to stop myself from using only Innocence Mission songs for my daily posts. Their cd's have pulled me through some pretty rough times as a mother. I am flattered that you connected my writing with their contemplative melodies!

Happy early Birthday to you, Neil! If I was there, I'd light the candle on your leftover coffee cake! :)

See you soon, Miss Carrie!

Kelleylynn said...

I may be a day late, none the less, Many many years to sweet Mary Catherine.
I adore the photo and thanks to you, The Innocence Misson.