A Poem for Talitha Ruth Piper

Come, lay your head down, little lamb,

And rest upon my shoulder;

It won't be long till you're too big,

And both of us are older.

Come, lay your head here, little lamb,

Your wool against my face;

And feel your father's silent love,

Secure in my embrace.

Come, lay your head here, little lamb,

And listen to my heart;

And memorize the message there,

For when we are apart.

Come, lay your head here, little lamb,

While there is still a place;

I cannot promise life or strength,

Nor shape tomorrow's grace.

Come, lay your head here, little lamb,

And listen on my shoulder;

The voice of Jesus deep within:

"That's just the way I hold her."

Poem written by John Piper for his daughter, Talitha Ruth.