she can’t sleep
tiny footsteps race across the floorboards
the bedroom door opens cautiously
and a tiny figure climbs into bed
her little head rests on my pillow
“I can't sleep, Daddy."
“I know."
I kiss her forehead
and carry her back to her room
I promise to stay
I promise to wait until she falls alseep
it takes the promise of Christmas
and a string of gold coaches
racing colours around her room
to finally close her sleepy eyes
it takes only the thought of Christmas
to open them
11.30pm 12th December 2003
(My daughter, Madison, who just couldn't sleep)
