my hand around his little waist
like a ballerina in a music box
I could hear the song above the clock
an expression of love painted on his

oval face, oval as an egg a little birdie laid
something hatched on Monday, and I left it
to develop as film does in a dark room –
it needs to be closed off

when I come back it will be ready
and I want to prepare myself for its readiness
not in dress but in spirit so, I’ll be worthy of it
we shall see how it develops