Comforting Poem by Charl JF Cilliers

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.