Cuddle them while you pace the floor
Cuddle them though your back hurts sore
Cuddle them when they’re clingy and hot
Cuddle them more when you’re frazzled and fraught
Cuddle them as they nurse from left to right
Cuddle them to sleep and all through the night
Cuddle them while you binge your favourite TV
Cuddle them close as you drink your cold tea
Cuddle them in a sling as you go about your day
Cuddle them at the cafe, park or soft play
Cuddle them when you don’t know what else to try
Cuddle them while one or both of you cry
Cuddle them so they’re never afraid or alone
Cuddle them because you’re their safe place, their home
Cuddle them ‘cos it’s what your heart needs too
Cuddle them now so they learn what to do
Cuddle them as long as they’ll allow you to,
And someday when they’re grown,
They’ll cuddle you.
The Breast of Rhymes 