Grandma, my sleep is narrow
That you bring me some strong drink
Strain out the pulps and set them close outside
For when my belly
For when my little belly speaks
Grandma, there's air beneath my bed
And it whispers
And it whispers when I rest
With hemmed skirts
And salt and vinegar, vinegar
And hover closely
Oh, hover closely underhead
Grandma, the water is rising
By now this hair has gotten green
I'll be your swimming forest island
When you walk safely, safely
Over me
Grandma, my hands have wondered
And my legs
My little legs are getting weak
Bed, lend me your wispy frame
And guard my powers
Guard my precious powers in its cage
Grandma, I've been unruly
In my dreams
And with my speech
Drill little holes into my eyelids
That I might see you
That I might see you when I sleep
Grandmother, the water is rising
By now this hair has gotten green
I'll be your swimming forest island
And you walk safely, safely
Over me
I'll be your swimming forest island