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.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2013



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Date: 5/31/2021 8:03:00 PM
Dear Dave, your poetic gem is filled with tender beauty and your word-play is delightful. Congratulations for your excellent win in Juliet's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
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Date: 5/23/2021 5:40:00 PM
Congratulations on your placement, Dave! Great idea of setting your poem to music.
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Date: 2/8/2016 11:41:00 AM
Congratulations on your win with this very expressive and tender poem!
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Date: 2/8/2016 8:33:00 AM
A real heartfelt poem Dave! Congratulations! :) -HANS
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Date: 2/6/2016 6:36:00 AM
Dave, Stopped by to congratulate you on your awesome poem. **SKAT**
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Date: 2/6/2016 4:16:00 AM
Greetings Dave. Congrats for your placement in the contest!!! ;-)
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Date: 2/6/2016 3:02:00 AM
Hi Dave, Congratulations on your "Heartfelt poem." Take Care ~LINDA~
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Date: 2/10/2014 5:40:00 PM
Loving this win again Dave... SKAT
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Date: 1/11/2014 5:14:00 PM
Congrats on your winning work..Sara
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Date: 1/10/2014 12:44:00 PM
A very beautiful poem this is my dear friend Dave. Thank u so much for sharing and many congratulations on your great win! love and big hugs, Leonora
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Date: 1/10/2014 12:32:00 AM
It is such a joy to watch a child sleep and you've put in words all the thoughts that go through a loving parent's mind. congratulations and best wishes All ways!!!
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Date: 1/8/2014 9:40:00 PM
What a lovely poem and a fine win. Congrats on the win, Dave
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Date: 1/8/2014 2:48:00 PM
This is so softly gentle.....so beautiful, just a lovely poem! congrats to you....wonderful win!!
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Date: 8/13/2013 5:25:00 PM
Just what every parent would like to say to their child....congratulations on your win.... Jake
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Date: 8/11/2013 5:59:00 PM
Enjoyed your winning poem..congratulations..nice job..
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Date: 8/11/2013 12:13:00 AM
My hearty congratulations on your super win my dear friend. Thank you so much as well for sharing your excellent write. Have a grace-filled wkend! Love lots and big hugs, Leonora
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Date: 8/9/2013 7:23:00 PM
Congrats....SKAT
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Date: 8/9/2013 5:12:00 PM
congrats on win Shadow x smiles
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Date: 8/8/2013 9:16:00 PM
a nice winning poem LINDA
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Date: 8/8/2013 8:11:00 PM
congratulations "NATE
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Date: 7/19/2013 6:41:00 PM
This is more than most children can hope for... Devotion is the key to raising children. They can recognize, very quickly, anything less than sincere.... I find great Love, Wisdom, and Devotion in your work.... Jake
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Date: 5/19/2013 9:38:00 PM
this is a nice poem, CONGRATS!! SKAT
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Date: 5/19/2013 4:12:00 PM
Congratulations on the win. Well done.
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Date: 5/18/2013 8:33:00 PM
Congratulations with your impressive winning word play poem, DAVE... Take Care <3 xox <3 LINDA
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Date: 5/18/2013 11:28:00 AM
Impressive! Congrats on your win. AO
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12
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