By the Light of the Moon

I crept into her room by the light of the moon.

In her ear I whispered, “Don’t ever leave me, baby”.

She breathed deeply.

She sighed.

I pressed my lips upon her forehead.

Her tiny fingers wrapped around my hand.

Finally, she sleeps through the night. 

Two and a half years of waking, and she sleeps.

But I wake.  And I wander. 

I breathe in her smell and lay my head on her pillow.

I brush my lips across hers.

I pray.  Lately I don’t pray much.  But over her, I do.

“Please God, be with my baby girls.  Keep them safe.”

And He does. 

By the light of day, they run and laugh and quarrel.

From one sunrise to the next. 

And by the light of the moon, I watch them dream.