A Child's Goodnight

At night the sun lies down for sleep

And crickets sing a tune.

The bullfrogs croak and creatures creep

Beneath the watching moon.

The masked raccoons and possums prowl

Through meadows moist with dew.

The fireflies flash, coyotes howl, 

And owls keep asking, "Who?"

At night our school is still and dark

And evening stars arrive.

And marble statues in the park

Appear to come alive.

Our nation's flag's been taken down

And city streets are bare.

Awakened bats soar over town

As nightmares children scare.

At night I hear my father snore

And baby brother cry

As shadows slide across the floor

And trucks go rumbling by.

I hear a siren's urgent squeal

While I lie safe in bed.

My hamster racing on its wheel

And raindrops overhead.

At night I hear the floorboards creak

And neighbor's car meow.

I feel my pillow press my cheek

And night air cool my brow.

I think about the recent past

And plan the coming day

Until I fall asleep at last

And dream the night away.