Our young son wheezes softly in his sleep <br />In the middle of our bed, arms embracing <br />Stuffed animals, favorite blanket in hand. <br />For years, our bed has been his bed as well. <br /> <br />He knows his formal bedroom is elsewhere, <br />And he will go there if my wife and I insist. <br />But absent guests or relatives, we rarely do. <br />He always smiles on climbing in with us. <br /> <br />We talk and wonder about things. I read <br />The current book in progress, rub his back. <br />Then, almost between words, it is just <br />Soft breath, and his warmth between us. <br /> <br />Once he’s asleep, our cat, quiet and still wary <br />From the rigors of his waking hours <br />Pads in to stare, knead him with her claws, <br />And sometimes lick his hair in place. <br /> <br />This arrangement will not last, of course; <br />Soon he will grow beyond us. My wife and I <br />Will reclaim the space he leaves behind. <br />But let him snuggle in with us a little longer <br /> <br />Safe and happy in knowing he’s well loved, <br />Surrounded by his stuffed seal and other <br />Soft and loyal friends, the cat, and two who <br />Marvel still how one plus one makes three. <br /><br />Chuck Toll<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/bedtime-story-5/
