WALKING SPELL

A poem about cradling a crying child and walking around the room until they are asleep. Some human actions never change.

For Euan and Murray

I am carrying you

into your dreams

This is

my walking spell

I walk the same circuit

of forty two steps

Again and again

around this room

And as we move

all I ask of you

Is to close

those heavy lidded eyes

Then you

will cross the border

Don’t worry

the whole wide world

Will still be here

when you awaken

This is a poem I am proud of. It works, taking the personal and making the experience universal.

Here is Shelagh McDonald and Stargazer.

Until next time.