Encounter By Ellen Bryson Remington A learned friend from time gone by, When my pursuits were intellectual Crossed my path today; and glancing Quickly at my rounded middle, Noting the smudges there from little hands, The wrinkles, too, from childish tears, He asked, “What are you into now?” I wish I could have made him understand. “I’m into graphic arts—a type Advanced beyond the popular conception. I deal in shapes so intricate, so exquisite That in this life I’ll never know their limits.” I thought how every day I shape so many things: I shape the edges of a pie, I shape a diaper to the tiny legs, I shape some flowers from our small backyard Into a bright bouquet, The covers on a bed till they are Soft and enveloping. I shape small eager hands around a ball And show them how to throw. But also, with my mind and with my love I shape the tense and troubled hours; I take them formless, dark, and shape them Into light and warmth for spirits’ growing. I guide a pliant, loving mind, Now fresh and good from God. I try to show him things our Savior would. I shape the design of his temperament, The pattern of his moods. I shape desires in his heart Of this world and another. And now in me another life is shaped— The way he’ll look and stand, The contours of his hands— And God is partner to that shaping. Let those who do not understand Think I am lost in merely mothering. I smile—and shape my daily chores Into eternal joy.