Lullaby
Sleep now. The fire brigade and a glass of water are keeping watch
Over you. The floor will give not way and this bed will not fold into the heart
Of fear kidnapped by the fire. Close your eyes. The cord of the light bulb
Will not burn you, neither will the ceilings whiteness. Sleep
Soundly. Your blood will not burst into flames. No burning will overcome you.
The fire will not engulf the bedclothes. It will not force its way into the lungs
Through your nostrils. Sleep soundly. The darkness will not commit arson.
You will not run flaming like a torch. The fire
Will not eat away at your face or arms. There will be no war
Of flaming rags. Sleep now. You will have an uneventful
Sleep. No escaping from the burning wall to the edge
Of the sheet. No bandages. The fire will not creep
Under your eyelids. Sleep deeply. You will not cry out in flames.
Sleep now. The flame cannot wake you. Not even a flame can wake you.
Translated by Donald Pirie