Bedtime

by Lila Broadhurst

Tell me about the times dad
When you were a little lad:
About the games you played dad,
And all the fun you had.

Tell me about the pit ponies dad,
And I'll promise not to cry;
Tell me about my mother dad -
Why did she have to die?

Tell me about the soldiers dad
Who went marching off to war,
With tanks and guns and bayonets;
And never came home no more.

Tell me what God looks like dad;
How can he be everywhere?
And if He's as high as the heavens dad -
Are you sure he can hear me up there?

Why do you cry at that photo dad,
Is it 'cause I'm not on?
Is it a wedding photo dad?
Show me which one's mum.

Tell me another story dad
About cowboys and Indians red;
And why were the Indians shot dad
If all that they wanted was bread?

Tell me about the sea dad,
About pirates and shipwreaks and pearls;
And are you glad you got me dad -
Do you like little boys more than girls?

I'm glad that I got you dad,
'Cause I love you through and through;
You're the bestest dad there is dad:
Goodnight - and God bless you.