for Mandy

Carry him gently up to bed
the spirit of the day
succumbed at last to exhaustion.
The fire in his eyes now resting
no games left us to play
mayhem still coloured in crayon.

Taking the trouble to show me
night shining bright as day
the grace to lift shadows your gift.
While grief makes its awful demands
and dreams then cannot stay
but take to your ocean to drift.

Just watching the child now sleeping
teddy bears turning grey
and of this world none can intrude.
Hand in hand and yours is warmer
always it was your way
always your lost become rescued.