Until the Sandman Comes

Written by: Gregory Richard Barden

Until the Sandman Comes

* For my dearest children, who now have children of their own *

                                   ~                        

             Here in your father's arms
                 Birthed and crying ...
                    Afforded of worldly harms
                     Daylight dying ...
                    Lullabies shall kiss your ears
                 Sleep my child, allay your tears
             Love abides until the sandman comes

       Here on your father's knee
   Small and bouncing ...
 Story songs to brighten thee
Darkness denouncing ...
 Happy endings made to smile
   Heavy eyelids all the while
       Love abides until the sandman comes

             Here in your father's keep
                 New wings, proving ...
                    Soaring free, but for sleep
                     Burgeoning, moving ...
                    Reluctantly I'm letting go
                 Tumble, rise, I watch you grow
             Love abides until the sandman comes

        Here in your father's heart
   Gone now, ages ...
 Stories of your own, impart
Turning pages ...
 Now, those lullabies to sing
   Children, thine, beneath your wing
        Love abides until the sandman comes

             Here at your father's side
                 My hours numbered ...
                    Now it's you who must abide
                     Breaths, encumbered ...
                    Joyous days we shared, beguiled
                 Please don't cry, my darling child
             Love abides until the sandman comes.






~ 1st Place ~  in the "Your Best Poem 2020" Poetry Contest, John Hamilton, Judge & Sponsor.

~ 1st Place ~  in the "What Matters Most To You" Poetry Contest, Chantelle Anne Cooke, Judge & Sponsor.