The clouds rolled, a brewing storm,
thunder rumbling all around.
Everyone was heading home,
trying to beat the rain.
Yet there, out in the field,
sat a little girl, alone.

Tears rolled down her cheeks,
as sorrowfully she stared,
looking up into the heavens,
ignoring everything around.
Lifting her hands she rose,
standing in silent prayer.

She stared up at the dark, grey clouds,
her quiet sobs just barely heard,
and if one strained just right,
they could hear her whispered words.

"Dear Gods, Whoever's listening,
I really need Your aide.
I'm really not sure what to do,
and mama always said You'd help.
I don't want to sound a whiner,
or a petty little girl.

So please, if You are listening,
just listen to my tale.
Mama and papa, they raised me well.
Yes, I know I'm only ten.
They taught me to care for myself,
and never to whine or beg.

I've tried to heed their teachings,
yet I'm feeling in a bind.
You took my parents from me,
in a storm so much like this.
I've tried to survive on my own,
yet I'm hungry and I'm cold.

My shoes have long been gone,
my clothes are beyond repair.
I have no one to take care of me,
to tell me stories before I sleep.
I promise I won't ask for much,
I don't want any of these things.

The only thing I ask of You,
is to bring them back to me.
I could have no better parents,
and I want no one else.
If this means I go to them,
then with their love, I'll be fine."

By this time no one around
could ignore the child's pleas.
Mothers sat crying at their doors,
as fathers hugged their little girls.
The town sat waiting quietly,
waiting for Divine decree.

A hand reached down from the sky,
Whose, no one was sure.
The girl reached out steadily,
grabbing hold of the large thumb,
and slowly, with a childlike grace,
climbed onto the Divine hand.

The town was silent
as that hand disappeared,
mothers sobbing in despair.
The clouds rolled away,
and the sun was bright,
as the town returned to chores.

Then suddenly, a beam shone down,
bright and golden from the heavens.
And that little girl came floating down,
a smile of joy upon her face,
for right behind her, on either side,
were the parents she'd prayed for..

A rumbling voice came from the sky,
a voice of power and certainty,
"This girl has earned her reward,
she learned her lessons well.
Heeding your parents when it is wise,
and seeking help when beyond yourself.

She honoured and treasured her family,
tried to follow their wise words.
She stood on her own,
through hardship and grief,
waiting a long, hard year,
before finally asking her plea.

Think not that We do this lightly,
but she'd have given her own life,
to be with those who raised her.
In honour and love she made her choice.
So, embrace them with joy, and celebrate,
and remember the lesson learned:

It doesn't matter your age or gender,
in life, everyone can be brave.
You all can survive the trials We give,
if you can see the world through love's eyes."

Penned by my hand on the 15th of Glacian, in the year 471 AF.