The Parents' Prayer

	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--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!