Noticing Children

chants and songs

ancient stories and prayers

wash over children who are

turned backward in a pew

crayons and cheerios strewn about;

others coo and mutter

from their spot with mom in the back row,

or circle the narthex, paying little

attention to worship while dad listens

with one ear to the sermon

yet the ancient stories and prayers

chants and songs washing over them

cannot help but to shape their faith

even as they, these children

shape ours