A goodnight wish

Written in 2017 in the early hours of the morning as I sat in the hospital Emergency Dept with Calla (aged 3) who'd been admitted with a bad case of Croup. This was just a few weeks after my cancer diagnosis

A child’s hand wrapped in mine
No prayer, no ritual as devine
These quiet, magic moments are hard won
As close to rapture as I’ll come

Eyes close, adrift in sleep
So much innocence to keep
A fading smile dances on her face
Sweet child, infinite grace

Sleep tight, sleep well tonight
Your tomorrow will be bright
Be calm, be quiet tonight
Everything’s ok, everything's alright

On bended knee leaning over her
A rising tide of love I can’t defer
Her perfect breaths dance beside my ear
If only I could always be this near

A darkness steals the days last light
Being here just couldn’t feel more right
Nothing for this child I wouldn’t do
May all her hopes and dreams come true.

Sleep tight, sleep well tonight
Your tomorrow will be bright
Be calm, be quiet tonight
Everything’s ok, everything's alright