My son Will is off to Yorkhill childrens hospital for an operation today. It is only a small, fairly routine thing, and he seems remarkably unconcerned. he has memories of the hospital from previous visits, and to him, it is something of a wonderland of play equipment and friendly staff. He knows that kids are transfered to the operating theatre in electric cars- that they drive themselves!

But sending your lad off to be under the knife- this is hard.

He left with Michaela and his granddad whilst I went off to work..

I walk away

I walk away
And a backwards glance
Sees my son watching me
Watching me leave
Suddenly so vulnerable
So small in his clothes
Shrinking into the folds of his shirt

And my heart stops for a moment
A flashbulb vision hits my minds eye
Of him riding a bicycle
Down a street full of hidden dangers
Out of earshot
But not yet out of sight
Undefended
Needing me
But not knowing it

Like the flicker of a fragile vein
In soft translucent skin
His humanity seems
Improbable
Incredible

And needing the application
Of an armoured shell
To keep out
Shooting stars
Or the odd stray arrow

With a shudder the moment passes
And I offer up a prayer
To keep the wolves
Far from our door
While I head out to slay my days supply of dragons
At work.

17.8.07