Needy

Through the watches of the night,
The baby woke regularly,
Crying out, rolling around,
Needing comfort and sustenance.

I don’t remember him doing that before.

Maybe he’s hungry. He refused the solid food offered,
But maybe he shouldn’t have.

Maybe he’s cold, as the night air comes in
And he’s kicked off the covers.

Maybe he’s in pain. He’ll eventually have
Twelve teeth more than he does. Any day now.

Maybe he’s sleeping in his own mess.
That would be uncomfortable.

And maybe he’s just needing some reassurance
That I’m near.

Hungry, cold, in pain, in mess, lonely.

Baby, the world will leave you like that sometimes.
I’m happy to lose a little sleep to comfort you.