My eyes glisten with tears
As my arms wrap around your frail body.
I take in every inch of you,
From the itty-bitty nails growing on your fingers,
To the fluttering eyelids on your hardly opened eyes.
You stir slightly in my embrace,
But I know you will not wake.
Your petite nose, about as big as my thumb,
Wriggles,
And I notice your cheeks.
Chubby,
Like a chipmunk.
No words are shared between us,
Except your imperceptible breathing.
My heart is swollen with overwhelming joy
And tears no longer brim my eyes.
Instead, they fall.
The small droplets travel down my face,
Landing safely on your tiny hands.
I stroke my thumb over them,
Removing the water.

Nothing will ever break you,
Not even my tears,
Because I am your safety.