Christening by celebrant br beneath the tree br Autumnal warmth and nor-easterly br in the sacred back yard where br families and friends br gathered to be br in the informal shrine and its sanctity br of freedom, isolation, sanctuary br individualism and community br with roof of sky and floor of garden br assured and relaxed in the comfort of familiarity. br Generations entwine and tangle br The weary, retired, working and growing br To honour the future, the passage the flow br Pregnant, babies, toddlers, school age br Looked to the baby and words uttered br Included, welcomed, nurtured, vowed to protect br To love, and grow into family and community br Our commitment br All wishes for the future br Wherever it may go. br Food and drink and company followed, br The fellowship of the yard. br Gifts bestowed, children played br Until people departed as they had came br But taking away a new little name. br Light dimmed through the foliage crown br Branches outstretched embraced the night br A mother's arms to secure the babe, br In the light of family and community br To guide and show the way. br A life blessed newly with peace, br May it be the essence br Of this Sunday afternoon.