Because of Today

Because of today, a little girl will be born
Who, otherwise, would’ve been murdered
In the warmth of the womb, ripped and torn.
But because of today, she will be nurtured

By someone; and the grass will know her feet,
And the sky shall know her eyes and smile,
And the trees will hear her laugh as she eats
Ice cream and sits in the shade for a while.

Because of today, perhaps a piano shall know her touch,
And perhaps our ears a moonlight sonata will hear,
And our hearts will break for beauty — but not too much,

For because of today, we’ll never know how near
We came to a life that almost never was; for such
Is the case for all who, no matter what, hold life dear.

Josiah Pitts

June 24, 2022