poem
Ruby's Lullaby
I sing you a lullaby of safe-keeping
while I wear your red-hooded sweatshirt
it smells like you, like salt and twinkies
I'm so hungry I wish I had a twinkie
the blood on your cheek is dry
and I guard you against my own blood
I won't let them get you
you who fell out of the sky
and fell to the ground like a fallen angel
you sleep beautifully for a long time
my own face twisted and disfigured
I know you're my salvation
from a life I despise
yet can't control
I can only pray and hope
we survive from the torment to follow
when you open your brown eyes
I slip into my never-ending hiding
Tara Ann Stridh
December 2006
I sing you a lullaby of safe-keeping
while I wear your red-hooded sweatshirt
it smells like you, like salt and twinkies
I'm so hungry I wish I had a twinkie
the blood on your cheek is dry
and I guard you against my own blood
I won't let them get you
you who fell out of the sky
and fell to the ground like a fallen angel
you sleep beautifully for a long time
my own face twisted and disfigured
I know you're my salvation
from a life I despise
yet can't control
I can only pray and hope
we survive from the torment to follow
when you open your brown eyes
I slip into my never-ending hiding
Tara Ann Stridh
December 2006