A Parent's Prayer

      Author Unknown

                                                                                         
  Now I lay me down to sleep,
  I pray my sanity to keep.
  For if some peace I do not find,
  I'm pretty sure I'll lose my mind.

  I pray I find a little quiet,
  Far from the daily family riot.
  May I lie back and not have to think
  About what they're stuffing down the sink,

  Or who they're with, or where they're at
  And what they're doing to the cat.
  I pray for time all to myself
  (did something just fall off a shelf?)

  To cuddle in my nice, soft bed
  (Oh no, another goldfish--dead!)
  Some silent moments for goodness sake
  (Did I just hear a window break?)

  And that I need not cook or clean
  (well heck, I've got the right to dream)
  Yes now I lay me down to sleep,
  I pray my wits about me keep,
  But as I look around I know,
  I must have lost them long ago!