Shadi Eskandani

kneeling on the rug next to your crib i
curl your fingers into mine like maman did
when i too was scared of
monsters.
i whisper safekeeping from shapeshifting
demons like those from childhood
who devoured flesh crushed bones left
nothing but shards shreds
shrapnel.
do they wake you up at night too my love?
disturbed sleep common for your age
they say. but I know the truth
about monsters.
they never go away.
you close your eyes
i kiss each finger
cover you with a blanket shield
from winter’s invasion through these cracks
in your bedroom window. i
remind myself to fix this broken glass
as i lie on the floor next to your crib
staring at the ceiling amidst
an echo of sirens and missiles.