As we have got older, neither my wife nor I sleep well at night.

Our names have the same cadence as ‘Christopher Robin’, which is perhaps why this poem has rhythms that will be familiar to those who enjoy When we were very young and Now we are six by AA Milne.

Matins

Robin Ford, February 2012

Middle aged couple are going to bed,
Hoping for sleep as each lowers their head.
Kiss, kiss, turn out the light,
Lyndell and Robin are saying goodnight.

Sleeping so well from ten thirty to four,
Starting to stir, not asleep any more.
Turn, turn, not a surprise.
Lyndell and Robin have opened their eyes.

Those researchers whose book we’ve got
Say quiet surroundings can help a lot,
And keep it dark, but if you can’t win,
Please don’t worry and just give in.

As they have woken they think it might be
Just the right time for a nice cup of tea.
Sip, sip, now they’ve got up,
Lyndell and Robin enjoying a cup.

Middle aged couple have drunk of their fill.
Snuggled up close in the dawn’s early chill.
Hush, hush, hardly a peep.
Lyndell and Robin have gone back to sleep.