Song to my Nurse
(after Louise Gluck and William Carlos Williams)
I smile while you dress me in my crochet coat
I am sorry, but it is soft, and means
that I will see her.
I beam as you pass me into her arms
forgive me, but she is beautiful
so fragrant and so rare.
I laugh when her lover bounces me on his knee
I am sorry, but he brings gifts, and his hands
are warm and strong.
I have thrown from my cot the bear which you gave me
forgive me, but his bear is better
so new and blue.
I'm clutching it now as you rock me to sleep
I am sorry your eyes are red
forgive me.
Chrissie Williams, July 2004