Poetry by Laura Kauffman and watercolor painting by Emily McQueen.
 
Poem:  "4 AM" from What Remains
 
You looked so peaceful
wrapped up in your
Spiderman blanket and
footed pajamas.
 
I’d dreamed again
that you were gone
so I crept to your room
and climbed in your bed.
 
I hated to wake you
but I needed to feel
the warmth of your breath
and the sound of your voice.
 
“Mama loves you,” I said,
first softly then louder
‘til you stirred in your sleep
and let out a sigh.
 
Appeased, I dreamed
of your giggles and cries
and the merciful relieving 
of my fear of your silence.