From issue 01 of To The People, a zine by YTTP Studios
Poems by Sheila Lam
Â
For Bernard
Â
I took him out for a walk today.
We needed some sun
"Let's get out of the house," he said,
"We’ve had enough time alone."
Â
Every day he's growing.Â
Outgrowing his bed.
Outgrowing the house.
Â
Someday he'll move away,
but hopefully not far.
Â
I ask him about his dreams:
"Do you dream of greener pastures?"
"Do you dream of rolling hills?"
But he never divulges.
Â
He just sways and looks back at me.
Â
I worry that he gets cold at night;
I close the drapes to his windowsill.Â
I worry that the sun is too bright:Â
I make shade for him.
Â
An early riser, never not awake before me— Â
but he's patient, and waits silently.
Â
A growth spurt overnight!
Oh, where does the time go?Â
Â
My sweet little Bernard!
My sweet plant of basil.Â
From Bernard
Â
She does not know I know
For certain
But she thinks it
Â
Without asking
She puts water out
And I drink itÂ
Â
A little each day
I grow
A little more each day
For herÂ
Â