Awake

One day when I was young
My father whispered
Did you know
That the safest place
In all the world
Is in your papa’s arms?

I tucked the words inside my head
And went to bed each night
Dreaming.

These are the days
I find myself half-smiling
Remembering those moments
Of happy whispered promises

And those endless childhood nights
When I never once
Dreamed of growing up.

(1983)