The Midnight Clock

By Kumaresh Gopal

The clock strikes 12 on a full-moon night,

As I creep around with footsteps so light,

And while you are sleeping you nod when I say,

Hey honey! Happy birthday.

I pat your head and kiss your cheek,

Their rosy hue is what I seek,

Then the tears well up and you make 'em rain,

As you whisper my name again and again.

Then the kids come running and kiss your face,

And you wake up to their happy birthdays,

I feel so happy, it feels so nice,

That a tear escapes from my eyes.

"Mommy where's daddy?" I hear them say,

And you tell them that I'm far away,

Shining with the stars and yet so still,

I hear you out from the windowsill.

The clock strikes 12 on a moonless night,

And I'm the moon giving you the light,

So near, yet so far away,

I am here honey but not to stay.

For I may be dead, but the stars still shine,

One for every year seven, eight, nine...

Be patient dear, for you been so brave

I'll keep on visiting from the grave.

I watch the kids every day at school,

They remind me of myself, but then I was a fool,

Quite a heartbreaker they’re both gonna be,

Will make us proud, both you and me.

God I'm 40 and I feel so old

Can't believe you are 35 years old,

Lifting your hair as the wind blows light,

You are more beautiful than when I first laid my sight.

I must go now, but I'll come still,

Standing with open arms by the windowsill,

And by there will I wait when you go to sleep.

And by there will I wait till you go to sleep.

By Kumaresh Gopal