I kept your room. Just as you left it. I turn the key at half past ten. A little laugh. That laugh again. Small bare feet beside the stair. He’s in the clothes I used to wear. His head turns slowly. Then he smiles. The hallway stretches out for miles. I run. He follows, soft and slow. He hums a song from long ago. Don’t run out into the rain. All the doors lead here again. Hush now, hush now, don’t look round. I can find you by the sound. One more room and one more door, You’re not big here any more. My jacket trails upon the stair. My watch slips off. I leave it there. He grows so tall beside the light. He wears the face I wore tonight. Just a little way to go. Just a little less to know. Every birthday, every year, Bring them back and leave them here. Hush now, hush now, don’t look round. I can find you by the sound. One more room and one more door, You’re not big here any more. You had your turn. You had your years. I kept your room. I kept your fears. My hands are small. The lock is high. He’s singing On the other side. Are you sleepy yet? Hush now, hush now, don’t look round. I can find you by the sound. One more room and one more door, You’re not big here any more. Close your eyes and count to ten. You won’t be this tall again. My turn to be you. Your turn to sleep.
