Fear and Comfort

The world is fraught with risk and peril, my love.
Like opening your head on the playroom doorframe;
Like snapping your collar-bone in the school-yard;
Like having your heart broken when she doesn't love you back.

These arms will keep you safe from harm, my love.
They'll mop you up and patch your wounds;
They'll take you where you need to be;
They'll hold you till the hurt has eased.

The time will come for you to leave, my love.
Adventures call and you must answer;
New arms await your nervous discovery;
I shall encourage your flight and fear your falls.