a mother bending over
a child
who called to her
hurts healed by kisses
stories told
the touch of hands
white cotton dress
pink smell of comfort
a smile
don’t worry
it’s going to be all right
now go to sleep
tongue too thick
to speak
heavy lids want to close
she tries to open them
doesn’t want to sleep.
Above her
white crisp cotton
and diagnostic eyes:
Do you have
a husband, children?
Any other relatives?
Don’t be afraid;
it’s going to be all right;
you’re going to sleep now.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem