"Now I lay me down to sleep"
Beside the bed on dirty floor
she kneels
No bath could wash away the grime
she feels...
"I pray the Lord my soul to keep"
Eyes shut tight, tangled hair
tumbles down.
"If I should die before I wake"
whispered words from trembling lips
pale face blanches, paler still
Eyes open wide --alive
against her will.
"I pray the Lord my soul to keep"
Certain that He would have no reason
to keep her unwashed soul,
the child rises from her knees
and clambors into bed
between the stained sheets.
