In 2011 I wrote a poem for a friend who lost two daughters.

Believe.

I had no idea then how it would feel if I lost a daughter of my own.

Now I know only too well how it feels when a baby dies.

Tonight I have rewritten the poem

It is now for all bereaved mothers, fathers, families

For anyone who is missing a baby in the sky

Believe

Sometimes I find it hard to believe
That life can be so cruel
Sometimes I am left in a stupor
As to how this can be the way of the world

A mother is given a daughter
Only to have her snatched away
The promise of another child
Fades in much the same way

How can I keep my faith?
When I watch a mother
Lay her youngest by her first
Life over before it began

It is hard to believe in a God
Who would hurt someone so much in this way
Who would stand by and let this happen
And have absolutely nothing to say

I am finding it hard to believe today
So many families in so much pain
Showing such strength, such courage, such love
As their hearts break over and over again

But I have to believe in God above
So our angels have somewhere to go
I can help other parents to find some peace
Because in my heart I know

Our precious angels are together up there
Toddling together in the sky
Giggling and playing and saying hello
They have said farewell but never goodbye

They will join hands our angels
They will always be side by side
They are each other’s soul mates and friends
Bound together for the rest of time

Our babies will smile at one another
Tell stories, have songs to sing
They will comfort one another
Peace for one another they’ll bring

Their eyes will shine
Their hair will grow
Their beauty beyond all measure
And sometimes
On occasional days
May this image bring us all some pleasure

The angels’ families are struggling now
With anger, confusion and grief
But I hope in our hearts, as time marches on
They might find some hope in this belief

That all little angels together will play
Will love and cherish one another
And look down from their place in heaven
To keep a loving eye on their Father, their Mother

Nothing can take away the pain
Of losing a child to the skies
People can talk and hug and write
People can sympathise

But perhaps some days
A glimmer of light
A sunset with certain tones
And a Mother will know
Her angels are there
Watching wherever she goes

Beautiful angels play in peace
Take good care of one another
And be assured that here on earth
We will all look out for one another

And we will always remember you
Live our lives to make you proud
And when the pain of missing you is all too much
We will shout your names out loud

For once a family, a family always
You will be cherished for all of our days
Remembered and honoured
All number of ways

Until the time we are together again
Play in peace beautiful angels
Fly high and play in peace x