Cradling

I woke up one day waiting for you

Holding my cries beneath the blankets

I hear your sweet chattering, your nattering

Your morning bread in the basket

 

My brothers and sisters in the playroom

Clinging onto dolls and teddy bears

Nursing each other with their stiff eyes

Running to dinner in their pairs

 

My brothers and sisters in the playroom

Scarlet bow ties and chestnut boat shoes

'My darlings, my sweeties'

Love’s honey running with ooze

 

A boisterous blast enters

My toes become benumbed

Why does love have no meaning?

Bitterness has succumbed

 

With my throat all dry

And your breast rancid with neglect

Remember love has no meaning

Without my comfort and respect

 

The crying stops

And resounds into the burial mound

The walls become silent

 

 

'My darling, my darling,

There, there, cry no more,

I’ll cradle you till the morning'

Her neglect punching the ocean floor