End of the night

Tuck the blankets in a little tighter now,
Stay to read just one more page,
Kiss each forehead, hold them tight,
No room for cruel words or rage.

Laugh aloud at one last joke,
Then tickle one more tum,
Take a second out to just enjoy,
This moment being mum.

As their eyes begin to slowly close,
Tiptoe closer to the door,
Pause a moment, wait a while,
Linger there a little more.

As you now reach the top step,
A little voice whispers out, 'Goodnight',
Closely followed in quivering voice,
'Can you please leave on the light?'

Heart strings pull you back to see,
Little eyes so wide with fear,
A gentle cwtch, one last hug,
To remind them you are near.

A teddy halo frames each face,
Tired eyes and smiles so wide,
As off to sleep they eventually sail,
Washed along by slumber 's tide.

20.01.2021
Becky Clemett