Small Song

Hide your head now you are hurt

As that child once did-

Once her sobbing face was hid

In the softness of your skirt.

Once it was her chosen place:

Let it now conceal your face.

Draw no other to your knee.

Read a book as though she were

Listening. Do not follow her.

Be the friend you thought she'd be:

A companion fully grown

To yourself, now you're alone.