You nuzzle in, closer and then closer a little more.

You grunt for me to pat you to sleep.

Your eyes begin to close, but reopen at my slightest movement.

You whisper “Shhh shh” asking me to repeat this whilst I pat you.

Rock a Bye Baby.

I stay as still as possible, taking in the sweet smell of your breath against my cheek.

I repeat “Shh Shh” as I pat you to sleep, catching a slow melodious rhythm.

I flinch at the heat emanating from your body, it’s temperature rising because you are ill.

I wish you Goodnight. I tell you I Love You. I give you a kiss. You reciprocate it all.

Rock a Bye Baby.

You ask me to cover the duvet on top of you a little higher, and I oblige.

You heart is racing still, and I pull you closer to calm you down.

Your breathing begins to slow down, and I let out a sigh of relief as I realise you are finally going to sleep.

You try your hardest to open your eyes, but your lids are too heavy now.

Rock a Bye Baby.

I hear you murmur something under your breath. Words strung together, but lost as you fall into slumber.

I watch you. Closed eyes, chest rising and falling with each breath you take. Your lips, slightly apart, rosy pink in colour.

I wish for time to stand still. To capture this moment in my ageing mind. To engrave each breath, each sigh, each murmur, each flicker.

I wish you do not age a day older, yet grow into the mature man you will one day become.

Rock a Bye Baby.

You are in deep slumber now. You begin to dream. Dream of becoming a Big Boy, conquering the world, and going on adventures.

You dream of excavators and horses. Of skating with penguins. Of swimming with sharks.

I watch you and hold on to you. A little longer still. A little longer than I must. A lot longer than I need to.

I pray over you as you sleep, embracing the luxury of having you lie next to me so still as opposed to the raging tornado you are during the day. I pray for your safety. I pray for your health. I pray for God to keep you on the right path.

I kiss you once more, and fall asleep next to you, excited for what more adventures we will accomplish tomorrow.

Rock a Bye Baby.

Image Credit: @guzaldxb_photographer