11.09.24 10: 07 Pm Poem by Steven Aragon

Come lay down by me as I read and write.
Rest your weary body.
Relax as I read out loud the tales I create from dreams.
Put your hand on my belly and close your eyes.
Make me laugh as you make a wish.
We pause to listen to the song I used to sing alone.
A mantra.
A prayer for you.
Off key notes picked up by the wind and stripped
Leaving my cry a soft plea.

You can fall asleep, my poor baba, with my nose in your hair.
My lips touching your scalp.
Your taste and smell my familiar lovers.

And when I try to reach for the light,
Pull me in tighter to keep me grounded with you.