You Hold Me, Too - 03:40
							
The hallway clock says three-oh-four
My shadow leans across the floor
A moon of milk upon my sleeve
I've half forgotten how to breathe
You start to cry; I start to sway
My mother's miles and years away
Then, in the hush between our tears
You catch my thumb—and keep me here
I cannot make the morning rise
Or keep the thunder from your skies
But I can stay and see you through
One breath for me, one breath for you
I hold you, you hold me, too
You don't know the good you do
One small hand around my thumb
And I can face the day to come
Oh, my little waking light
We don't have to shine all night
I'll be the arms you settle into
I hold you, you hold me, too
By noon, the laundry drowns the chair
I call my sister: "Can you spare
An hour? I'm frayed. I need some rest."
She says, "Of course." I leave the mess
Then, halfway through a tuneless song
You laugh as if I've sung along
With something only you can hear
I laugh—and leave the washing here
You'll never have to earn this love
By sleeping through or growing strong
And I can ask for someone's hand
And still be whole, and still belong
This season asks for all my best
And gives me you against my chest
I hold you, you hold me, too
You don't know the good you do
One small hand around my thumb
And I can face the day to come
Oh, my little waking light
We don't have to shine all night
You'll grow beyond these arms—I know
Today, there's nowhere else I'd go
So let the morning fill the room
Let breakfast wait a beat or two
I'll be the arms you settle into
I hold you, you hold me, too
Your hand falls open, soft with sleep
I rest beside you—yours to keep
Mmm… mmm…

 * somi