Clara

Holding this baby
She's only a year
And I find it funny
That she's fighting
The soldiers of sleep
I remember that feeling
But now I'd give
Just about anything
To be held by someone
And guided into sleep
And I find it funny
That in many years
She'll be coming home
From work or somewhere
Saying "today is fucked"
And she'll light up
A cigarette or some pot
And she'll say
"I wish someone would
Hold me
And sing me to sleep"
She won't even remember me
Big old brother, the tough one
The one who is always there
And it brings tears to my eyes
Right now I'm crying
Because none of those kids
Will ever, ever know
Just how much
Big brother loves them

12/18/07