for my daughter
Once, when I was solemnly sad,
you gave me your toy rabbit to cuddle;
told me to tell him my troubles,
so he could share the load.
& when we have argued
& we hide in
separate, remote rooms,
you wait a little while
then sneak in softly, quietly
with my slippers.
You bring me them
my fair lady;
a sweet peace offering,
a comfort thing.
But, when you’re sad,
I tell you to pass it to me.
I take all of your sadness
in the palm of my hand
& say it belongs to me now;
that I’ll add it to all of mine
& you can be happy.
If only that were true,
I would always do that for you