I know you don’t know how to read baby girl,
But you have to read my palms right now to understand how much I love you
Because I don’t know when I’ll next get to pat you
I don’t know when I’ll next get to kiss your scars
I don’t know when I’ll next get to worry about you running too fast in the backyard.
I know you don’t know how to read baby girl,
But please read the salt on my cheeks
Because I don’t know when you’ll next take up 90 percent of my bed
I don’t know when you’ll next have a tantrum about dinner
I don’t know when you’ll next sprint around the house in joy at the idea of a walk.
I know you don’t know how to read baby girl,
But please read my heart like tea leaves,
Please read into this cuddle all the things I wish I could explain
Like how the only thing that compares to this was burying your brother in the backyard
Or finally having to let your father go
Even though I wore down to the bone trying to hold on.
Like how one day a new mummy will come into your house
But she’ll never, never love you like this.
Like how there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you,
including say goodbye.