Thalitha Coum! - and Jesus gently bent
Upon the sickbed to arouse the maid,
And touched the small and dainty waxen hand,
And bade the somber shades of death to fade.

This only child these aging parents had,
Snatched up by Tanatos about to reap,
Their cherished little girl on the bed,
Whose wondrous eyes were closed in lasting sleep.

"Talitha Coum! - maid look into my eyes!
Wake up my child and do no longer sleep-
Look at your Savior child, awake and rise!-
Smile- let your parents no more weep"!

The one that stopped the mighty storm and gale,
With one word only,- stretching forth His hand;
Now bade the salaried mourners stop their wail,
And halt their dirges and their funeral chant.

He made the taunting mourner crowd disband,
And bade the dazzled parents to take heed
To dwell in grief no longer, but command
To bring the child for strength some food to eat.



Oh Jesus, Lord! - be merciful we pray,
When we are stretched out cold upon a bier.
That we will see your eyes divine and hear:
“Talitha Coum! - wake up child! - I am here!”

Luke 8:49

© Elizabeth Dandy