Who's More Afraid?

I awaken to the sound of crying
And from bed I rise inwardly trying
To quiet my fears and silent alarms
Until I can fold you into my arms.

Holding me tight you have nothing to fear
For no harm will come so long as I’m near.
To you I possess great strength like an oak
While inside my breast my heartstrings are broke.

Your innocent eyes searching my face
So I pray you won’t see even a trace
Of doubts and troubles I carry inside;
You need me strong, so my worries I hide.

Begging and pleading you cry out “Don’t go!”
I must ‘cause I work tomorrow you know.
With one final embrace I must now leave
But the look on your face makes my heart grieve.

Reaching out to wipe a tear from your cheek
You seem to me now as fragile and meek,
Though tomorrow you’ll be restless and wild.
It’s time to sleep now, so rest well, my child.