A Child Clings

A Child Clings Frail, petite frame, gingerbread hair, Watchful, determined, You climb the darkened stairwell, Enter the room large with space for one so small. A cotton nightie, comfort, Blanketed in heat, You lie down. Footsteps in the hall, Eyes and ears vigilant, A breath of hope, the closing of a door, Forgotten goodnight kisses. Alone, shivering in the dark, Anxious fingers reach, the ritual begins, White beads of plastic on string, holy cross. Fingers clasp the tiny rosary beads. Prayer, Our Father, Hail Mary, Around the circle never broken, Again, and again and again. Eyes heavy, Breath shallow, You rest. Abandoned no more.