you hold the fragile newborn,
i peel open fresh eyes
knowing nothing but this, i think
goodnight, i love you

you sit on the monks’ bench,
i’m swaying in your lap
in my communion dress, i laugh
goodnight, i love you

you stand by the brick wall,
i’m pressed against the window with
breath fogging up the glass, i shout
goodnight, i love you

you hang through the car door,
i have my new nintendo and
not paying attention, i mumble
goodnight, i love you

you lie on the stained floor,
i’m a hundred miles away and
don’t see the sun set, i text
goodnight, i love you

you rest inside the wooden box,
i’m sobbing by your side
in a candlelit room, and i say
goodnight, i love you.


© ailsey