Pavane for a Grandchild

There’s a bird on the wing,

there’s a bird in the nest;

the wind, it is silenced

and gone off to rest.

A little red fox

‘neath shimmering sky -

a soft spotted fawn

is wandering by.

Now take my hand gently,

I will lead you just so;

we shall waltz through the stars

and paint meadows below.

O’er the oceans, we’ll sail,

and skip the blue seas;

we’ll sweep the wide desert

and sing with the trees.

Forever I’ll hold you,

and sing you to sleep;

I’ll kiss your sweet face,

and give you all these.

We will listen as raindrops

wash the air clean -

and touch the light softly,

wrapped up in a dream.

Through the night, gently,

the hours creeping on -

a vigil I’m keeping,

till soft comes the dawn

I will tie up my love

with ribbons of blue,

and as day dances in,

I will give it to you.

For I love you, forever

and ever, I do.

My dear one, my sweet one,

I’ll always love you.