Someone spoke to me about this poem. I had never read it properly I think; it’s quite beautiful.

.

SAVIOURS

In an agony of sadness

which cut so deep it frightened him

he asked – “Who will keep me safe?”

And the hares said

“Hop across the field with us to the far hedge

and in under it.

We will keep you safe all of the days

and all through the night.”

And the ship said

“Come out to the deep seas with me

come out far from the lights and the land

and rising up with the waves I will mind you

till you are strong enough again.”

And the pigeons said

“Sit up here with us on the red-brick ledge

and watch the trains for a while.

You can stay as long as you like.”

And the high bright single star said

“Look up at me when it is late

and I will look down on you

and you can sleep long hours

safely in my light.”

And the grasses moving in the wind

beside the railway said

“Look at us quietly and see how we are.

Look especially at the tall dandelion

with the five tight yellow flowers.

Think of us any time you wish

and we will gladly think of you.”

And every time he looked and listened

he felt safer in the world.

.

in HALF A HUG, 1998

linoprint: Angela Harding