The Quilt

This poem was commissioned for a very special little boy of one our nurses. Struggling with his fight against cancer, our unit banded together and created a quilt with more than 100 of our handprints. After much prayer and consideration, I wrote this poem.

The Quilt
By Harriette Glover

A beautiful young seedling stood low to the ground,
Not quite as tall as the stalks all around.

“How will I ever grow to be strong and tall,
And be ready like the others for harvest this fall?”

His Master assured him it was part of His plan,
“In no time you’ll grow and a tall stalk you’ll stand.”

Discouraged, yet hopeful, he silently waited,
As the others outgrew him, his hopes slowly faded.

Then the winds and the rains came and the others did form
A blanket of nature shielding him from the storm.

When dawn broke the seedling awakened to see,
That none stood as tall and majestic as he.

It was just at that moment that he realized,
He’d weathered the storm, but… because of his size.

Ever thankful, the seedling grew tall and so proud,
His bulbs were like blossoms of pure snow white clouds.

“What is my purpose?” To the Master he said.
“You’ll be made into a quilt for a young child’s bed.”

“Together with the handprints of many of his friends,
You’ll cover and protect him through the storms that life sends.”

“A beautiful reminder, together you’ll be,
Of My plan for you… when you were only a seed.”


For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11