A Child Looks At Its Mother: a Poem by Anatolio S. Litonjua

A Child Looks At Its Mother
by Anatolio S. Litonjua

Mother dear, why do you have
Four candles by your side?
Are they to light you in your sleep
And keep the ghosts outside?

I smell the flowers on your breast,
They are so sweet and clean.
O Mother, see, a butterfly
So black has fluttered in.
You told me Father bringing toys
Will very soon return.
I hope he comes tonight. My doll
Is sick and old and worn.

Mother dear, why are you so cold?
Why do these people weep?
- Oh, but Grandma told me not
To wake you from your sleep.