Poem For a Sleeping Child

There’s a wish to wander in your cool innocence and cruise the thoughttides of no responsibility—so easily you wipe your shoeless feet on the ever waiting door mat of socialization. How can I help you keep your tender "souls" intact—your tread from wearing thin out of align so as not to fall flat. Your easy grace put to an unfair test of ill-will winds blowing carelessly at your soft back. I long for your sweet calm at rest so deep so empty filled with solid happiness—you know you are loved beyond any measure that’s human or infinite. If I could walk with you for a moment and peek quietly at your conscience-----but no-it's yours and no Dooleys allowed. Forgive me to want to intrude on your ever pleasant play-would you share with me like the kernel of rice or squashed raisin-I might, but only if we all can go. Keep it hold it for as long as you can-as it suddenly disappears without a trace never to be found again lest you become your own sondaughter and learn to bask on the outside looking in—---and be content. I will live to never intrude on your soulspace, but will always knock first. I am sorry ahead of time for any pain I cause—for my mat was torn treaded , muddy and ragged—my sleep had no wanting witness. But I promise to watch over you all ways. Dave Collins. Song, Poem for a sleeping child, music to write by, Kevin Ubanks. Best read if listening to the suggested music. Spring 1991.