The Dream Denied

When as a father, I looked straight at death,
and my worst nightmare, I did greet,
when stopped the patter of my child's feet,
and ceased the rhythm of my angel's breath,
My heart stopped, for want of love denied;
My feelings, too, for want of soothing then.
But they returned with pounding force, and then,
I felt the pain that is the dream denied.
But then the Spirit whispered peace and love
and to my mind recalled the promise made,
when kneeling at the alter with my bride
twixt us two and the God of Heav'n above.
Then that which seemed to be a dream denied,
through faith and hope, became a dream deferred.