The Lullaby From My Childhood

Tonight the fan is turning slowly. The house is quiet. I am lying here with my hand on you. And a soft tune has come back to me. A song from when I was very small.

When I was little, [who sang it to me] sang me to sleep every night. The song was [the lullaby's name].

I did not like to sleep, you know. The whole house would go quiet. But I lay awake, watching the fan go round and round.

Then warm arms would pick me up. Up and down the room we went, up and down. And a soft voice began to sing.

By the second line, my eyes felt heavy. By the end, I was fast asleep on a warm shoulder.

Every night, the same song.

I do not remember learning the words. But my heart remembers every one. Tonight I hummed it to you, very softly. I knew the whole tune, as if I had heard it yesterday.

Every night, the same song.

That song was full of love. It made me feel safe and held. Now it is my turn to pass it on. One day, I will hold you in my arms. I will walk you up and down the room, up and down. And I will sing you the same song.

Every night, the same song. One day I will sing it to you.