The darkness rests,
heavy with secrets,
upon the nite-lite
in the hall.

My Winnie-the-Pooh sits,
grinning and glowing,
eating his honey - oblivious
to the night's events.

He'll be of little help when they come.

He doesn't hear them,
Raggedy Ann and Andy,
plotting in the corner
with the nutcracker.

They're mad 'cause I made Mommy
put the clown away
up on the closet shelf
before I would go to sleep.

I knew he was tall enough to reach the bed.

The sound of music
from Dad's alarm clock
means that the sun will
soon be up.

Then, at last, I can
fall asleep.
I can trust in the
Sun's protection.

And Mommy will be pleased that I slept so late.