"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.

(c) Linda Settles

www.RedeemingOurTreasures.com