Comfort

Come rest your weary head against my shoulder
   And close your tired eyes
To look beyond the stories time will tell
   Of welcomes and goodbyes.

Unflex your muscles, let your shoulders sag;
   There is no need to fight
But breathing slowly sample my perfume,
   The soft, sweet smell of night -

Your nose securely nested in my hair,
   Tonight I'll keep you warm;
I'll keep the world at bay and hold you in
   The shelter of my arm –

No questions asked, no explanations given;
   Right now there's nothing planned
And if somehow I feel your fingers stray
   I will not stay your hand

And for this unencumbered night I'll kiss
   The sorrow from your face;
I'll try and stop you thinking of your cares
   Well wrapped in my embrace.

Then sleep, you fond believer. I will watch
   You reach the soundless deep;
Your tousled hair upon my breasts, I'll sit
   And listen to you sleep

And if tomorrow you should wake to find
   One more illusion gone,
Well, such is life. Now sleep and have sweet dreams;
   It will be light anon.