To Say Before Going to Sleep

I would like to sing someone to sleep,have someone to sit by and be with.

I would like to cradle you and softly sing,be your companion while you sleep or wake.

I would like to be the only personin the house who knew: the night outside was cold.

And would like to listen to youand outside to the world and to the woods.

The clocks are striking, calling to each other,and one can see right to the edge of time.

Outside the house a strange man is afootand a strange dog barks, wakened from his sleep.

Beyond that there is silence.

My eyes rest upon your face wide-open;and they hold you gently, letting you gowhen something in the dark begins to move.