Hang a ‘do not disturb’ sign

Around my neck

I am too busy pulling

Wings off butterflies

And taping them on

Newspaper to try and bring

The past back to life.

 

I am too busy picking

The shells from snails,

Lining them up

Along the windows

And asking them to

Protect me from the dark.

 

I am too busy plucking

The legs off spiders

Rolling them up in

Their webs and using them

As dreamcatchers to chase

Away the fear.

 

I am too busy painting

Ladybird spots

On ordinary beetles

In bright, red ink

To make them feel special again.

 

I am too busy knitting

Jumpers for the beasts

Dressing them up like

Teddy bears so no one

Will have to know the difference.