A Song for Madeline
Ross E. Lockhart
Of course
I am exhausted
from holding
youfrom singing
in my arms all nightyou
my simple lullaby.
Go to sleep
my Madeline
my Madeline
my Madeline
Go to sleep
my Madelineit all will be right
in the morning.
Of course
I am exhausted
from cleaningsticksyour fragrant matted hair
and branches from
and reassuringyouwas done.
that your imprisonment
Of course
I am exhausted
from walking through the parkand watchingfrom keeping up
as you stopped
to smell each flowerwith your exuberance
at this new world
away from concrete
shelter floors.
My strange new friend,
my little matted dog,
my Madeline.