I first wrote this short little poem in 2002, nearly a quarter of a century ago. Recently, the talented hymn writer and composer, Amanda Udis-Kessler, set it to music.
I attempted to try using AI (Suno software) to produce an audio version. I uploaded a piano version to keep Suno from going to far afield with the melody. The resulting track is fairly close to Amanda’s composition but it goes a little astray in the the third verse. Nevertheless, you can get a taste of the song—reverential, calm, and beautiful. (I have included a PDF of the sheet music.)
A darkened room
A trembling womb
Her sharp breaths cut the air
Now nearly done
The hour has come
They bring him forth with care
The child is born
In early morn
Their long-awaited one
With matted hair
He gasps for air
His journey has begun
A child’s first cries
A mother’s sighs
The sweetest song of all
Now put to breast
At last they rest
Asleep within the stall
Ten fingers, toes
A button nose
Like any child, the same
His father’s son
His mother’s one
And Jesus is his name
© 2002 Kurt Struckmeyer
Here is a PDF file of the sheet music: A Child is Born
