Dot

Sturdy, old, Irish Dot

Stuck with the babies

As happy as a tight shoe

Claiming a foot in a hard embrace

That is her job

No room of her own

Does she ever feel put upon?

Or angry

Or tired

Or want to discover Explorer or Microsoft?

Still she cuddles

And coos

And laughs

And plays

And keeps the babies safe

And warm

And dry

And fed

She without wants of her own

Exists for others

Like a fleece lined slipper that caresses

And comforts

And constructs happy well-nurtured children.

Annie

Little One

Alone she hides in the cold white dark

shivering

until the silent scream starts and others come to shush her

trying to keep her and them safe from strangers who hurt and mar

stuffing the scream back inside before it can be heard

 – never heard outside,

choking her with bitter fear and darkness

inside a white ghost of a girl.

Words in the Night

Hidden

Crouched in closet
Behind coats - hidden
Heart pounding in ears
‘Hush breathing – quiet, focus.’
Folded small
Breathing softly, silently
Heart calms
Gentle pulse in ears
Can they hear it too?
Quiet
Wait
Wait
Wait in safety
Perfectly still, eyes closed,
Nestled behind coats
Silent,
Hidden,
Safe.