Curl Up On Me

(Poetry)

When the pale light breaks and loosens quilted feathers 

Draw me back under and recurve my spine

When the children, wide-legged, holler and redden

Spin me around and quick step me giddy  

When the screen’s been aglow and the day’s flake is sogged through

Chariot me home and crown me queen once again

When the hush is brushed violet and animals sing to their mates

Read me a verse and nest me in limbs

When the night draws deep breath and blows our heads cold

Color us carefree and come curl up on me

Radha Lin Chaddah

September, 2025