Howard Firkin
You hold it
   warm against your breast
and let it suckle warmth

You rock it
   gentle as a pulse
as soothing as a kissed word

You take it
   stand and walk with it
to let it know it travels

You bend and
   put your tired heart
to bed and draw the covers

You kiss it
   touch its cheek and wish
good night sweet heart of mine

You let it
   sleep towards its dream:
tomorrow’s morning kiss