dVerse Q236 — Every Baby’s Lullaby


my mom and my oldest son

Every Baby’s Lullaby

Let me croon a lullaby
coax the open from your eyes.
Let your dreams be gentle things;
daffodils and bluebird wings.
Safely in your cradle sleep;
starlight soften midnight’s keep…

Sing now, world, to babe, to wake
with kind notes for them to take.

I am today’s host of dVerse’ Quadrille Monday, where I am asking poets to write a 44-word poem using the word coax.

76 Comments Add yours

  1. Violet Lentz's avatar Violet Lentz says:

    Love this. All of it your verse and this wonderful song.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      V, happy to hear you say that, thank you <3

      Liked by 1 person

  2. This sounds so sweet… maybe I would also need those dreams…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Every person is a child at heart, so of course you need them <3

      Like

  3. the sweetest use of coax ever! so heart-warming and such an enjoyable read, Lisa –

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Laura, thank you <3

      Like

  4. kim881's avatar kim881 says:

    That’s a great picture of your mum and your son, Lisa – you look so much like her! I love the phrase ‘coax the open from your eyes’ and the wish to ‘Let your dreams be gentle things’. A sweet lullaby quadrille, Lisa.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Kim, thank you very much. Everyone used to say the same thing about me looking like her. My sister shares that with us also, except she has blonde hair. My son used to have pale blonde hair as a baby and toddler but it turned darker as he got older.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. kim881's avatar kim881 says:

        You’re most welcome. Lisa.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. I immediately picked up on this phrase too – it’s so odd but just right.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. rothpoetry's avatar rothpoetry says:

    Beautifully done, Lisa. Coaxing wide awake to peaceful slumber is a major job for a mother.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Dwight, thank you very much. <3 Yes, it is. And for fathers also. My son is the one who coaxes slumber for my granddaughter.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. sanaarizvi's avatar sanaarizvi says:

    Oh my heart this is so beautiful, Lisa. I love “Let your dreams be gentle things; daffodils and bluebird wings.” ❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Sanaa, thank you <3

      Like

  7. merrildsmith's avatar merrildsmith says:

    Oh, this is so tender, so beautiful, Li. It makes me think of singing my babies to sleep.💙

    Great photo–you look so much like your mom! And that smile on your son’s face! Is there anything better in the world than a baby’s smile and laugh?!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Merril, I’m glad you like poem and it brings those memories back to you. Thanks on the photo and my mom and I were more alike than different I’ve come to realize over time. Yes, both of my kids were very happy babies <3

      Liked by 1 person

      1. merrildsmith's avatar merrildsmith says:

        You’re welcome, Li! 💙

        Liked by 1 person

  8. bruce@ssa's avatar bruce@ssa says:

    A wonderful use of coax here, Lisa. Everyone should have a mom as loving – and persuasive – as the one the poem highlights. Loving mothers know when to play the role of influencer!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks so much, Bruce <3

      Liked by 1 person

  9. A sweet lullaby indeed, beautifully penned. Also I enjoyed your music selection very much.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks very much, Rosemary. The Analogues are a special breed. I LOVE THEM.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. memadtwo's avatar memadtwo says:

    Perfect, both poem and musical selection. I love the joy in the photo too. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      K, thanks much. I know I’ve said some things about my mom and her cruelty over the poeming years, but she was a different person with her grandkids. She genuinely loved them and treated them well.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. rothpoetry's avatar rothpoetry says:

    That is a sweet photo of your mom and son! I could tell you are her daughter, Lisa! :>)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Dwight, thanks. She was one in a million. People loved her, and her public persona was very likeable. I look at that pic and have to smile. My son was so cute! (and still is!)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. rothpoetry's avatar rothpoetry says:

        Amazing how fast they grow up! She looks like a really sweet lady! I see where you get your beautiful smile, Lisa.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. randydafoe's avatar randydafoe says:

    Lovely verse Lisa. I just edited an upcoming post earlier today, and guess what song(s) just happens to be on the list?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Oh wow, Randy. Please let me know when it posts in case I miss it.

      I got your email yesterday and am still thinking about who I want to write about for it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. randydafoe's avatar randydafoe says:

        I will and no need to rush!

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Lisa, I love how sweet and gentle your words flow. You have your Mom’s smile. 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Colleen thanks so much. I’m sure Mom would have been happy to hear you say that.

      Like

  14. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:

    The sweetest! And I love that Beatles song.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Someone thanks. I also love that Beatles song :)

      Like

  15. jaerose37's avatar jaerose37 says:

    I love the caring and sense of unconditional love you have crafted here – Jae

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Jae, I appreciate what you see in the poem. Thank you <3

      Like

  16. Precious photo, Lisa. Gorgeous poem and, or course, that song.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Nancy, thank you x 3 :)

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Such a lovely poem. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      AM, thank you very much. Sent out into the world, that all may heed its message.

      Like

  18. authorstew's avatar authorstew says:

    Very sweet. Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. What a wonderful post Lisa ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thank you, Gabriela <3

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Wow, a lovely lullaby, beautifully written.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks much, Di.

      Like

  21. Carol C's avatar Carol C says:

    Relatable and oh so lovely, Lisa!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Carol, thank you very much <3

      Like

  22. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

    A beautiful poem Li.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Sadje, thank you, my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:

        You’re always very welcome

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:

    “coax the open from your eyes” – oh wow! the beauty of this line.

    Such a gentle, loving poem, thank you Li.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Someone, thank you and you are welcome.

      Like

  24. Helen's avatar Helen says:

    Thank you for sharing this sweet image of grandmother and grandson ~~ The gentle loviness of your quadrille, the personal touch, truly heartwarming, Lisa.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Helen, I’m glad you enjoyed my post. Thank you <3

      Like

  25. Ali Grimshaw's avatar Ali Grimshaw says:

    ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Lisa, “daffodils and bluebird wings” really touches me — the whole lullaby feels so gently cradling.

    ~David

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks, David. May it be every baby’s lullaby (and adults also.)

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Cool! This poem reads like a traditional timeless lullaby, known by all by heart. (I am looking now for the nearest baby or toddler to recite this to!)

    Liked by 1 person

  28. This is lovely, Lisa 🩵. My oldest would never sleep 🫣

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks, Robbie. Poor baby and poor parents. Makes it tough.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Dale's avatar Dale says:

    This is so beautifully tender and loving, Lisa. I love it. Of course, excellent tune to accompany!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Dale's avatar Dale says:

      You have the look of your mom!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

        Thanks, Dale! My sister also has her look but has blond hair. Mom had a lot of character. Once met, never forgotten. My gramma was like that too.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Dale's avatar Dale says:

          Love that! For years I was my mother’s daughter and then somewhere, it switched and I became my father’s daughter! And boy oh boy… do I ever!

          Liked by 1 person

    2. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Dale thank you <3 Yes, I'm all in with The Analogues. I also recently found out that they are creating new music and it is very good (need to listen to more of it.)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar Dale says:

        My pleasure 💞

        Liked by 1 person

  30. pvcann's avatar pvcann says:

    Coax the open from … I love how you’ve messed with the verbs Li, pause for thought and reflection, great piece.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Paul so glad you enjoyed the poem.

      Like

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