A Marcel Wave

And can it be -- it must! -- I am the character of all time,

Maman?

You are certainly pajama'd greatness in your cozy bed,

Sweet child.

And can it be -- it is? -- inevitable some magnitude of

Your soul

Has gone merely praised, that's underestimated,

By me

And you'd prefer it kissed more thoroughly, with ever greater love,

Right now?

Is there in the dark with you, with any, every, future you,

a cry?

That mourns I am downstairs, and plenitude seems not to be

At hand?

I lavish on you here, palms, knuckles, nails, the loveliest

Rare smooch

Made to comprehend deeply you as you wrap yourself in sleep

This night.

It will increase itself in baby kisses each time you wave

Bye-bye

At any, every, touching parting; you do know you have

My word.

---S.X. Rosenstock