Carrie Richards Poet Free verse

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

Soft is the pillow beneath my head
as dread sweeps over the world
Haunting dreams with chilling screams
shrill as a lonely wind

Crisp and cool is the linen sheet
ample and soft in my generous bed
Instead of the act of counting sheep
I count the ones who trudge the night
who shake with fear in weary flight

While those who sit so eagerly 
sit smug and bask, contently reek
with pride who boast philanthropy

What consequence lie the victory?
Who pretends surprise that when a limping peace
Returns in fragments a nation's youth  

Do they turn their heads, for second look?
Those who stand erect in patriotic pride
Forgetful that it was not they who've sacrificed?

When dread sweeps over the world tonight
Bleak as a wind in the desperate fight
As I lay myself down to go to sleep
I pray for young souls who now lay dead
And pray for souls that trudge the night
And all the brave who fight the fight
Now I lay me down to sleep
And last I pray for those who weep...



~

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Poet Destroyer A April 18, 2015 at 6:29 PM Carrie, it was nice seeing Cyndi's "I CAN'T BREATHE, generous list." Hope you enjoyed the showcase of this powerful contest theme, thank you for sharing the message. XOX ~LINDA~

Shadow Hamilton April 16, 2015 at 9:30 AM very moving poem Carrie congrats on win hugs 7

John Lawless April 16, 2015 at 6:55 AM Carrie, the last couplet...a tear for all.

Nette Onclaud April 26, 2011 at 6:53 AM fascinating write with much pathos, carrie. …goody cheers to you for the special win :) huggs, nette

James Fraser April 24, 2011 at 5:25 AM Many congratulations Carrie on your win in Miranda's fine contest with this hearfelt family poem. Happy Easter to you and your family....:)

John Freeman April 22, 2011 at 11:29 AM Great to see you in the winner's circle Carrie. Congratulations on your worthy poem's place. Agape, Moses

Audrey Haick April 21, 2011 at 3:48 PM Congratulations on your deserving win in the contest, Carrie. Sending you joyful Easter wishes. Love, Annalise

Dr.Ram Mehta April 21, 2011 at 1:59 PM Congratulations on the tenth place win in the contest, Carrie

Carol Sunshine Brown April 21, 2011 at 12:04 PM Congratulations on your win in the contest Carrie. Love, Carol

Linda-Marie Sweetheart April 21, 2011 at 8:19 AM Congrats Carrie on your sensational win in Miranda's contest with this illustrious account in poetry of the Vietnam War ... enjoy another top ten win with luv..

Tamra Amato August 17, 2009 at 4:27 AM this is amazing. bless your talent and your prayer "for those who weep..." thank you for your congratulations and comments. Tamra

Joyce Johnson August 14, 2009 at 3:51 PM Nice and heartfelt poem Carrie. congratulations on your hm. Joyce

Sue Mason August 14, 2009 at 3:03 PM Beautifully done, Carrie. This prayer is far more fiting in this context than it is for little children ... "if I should die before I wake" was sheer child abuse ... smile ... congratulations on your win in Debra's contest.

Carol Sunshine Brown August 14, 2009 at 8:15 AM Congratulations on your win in Deborah's contest Carrie. Love, Carol

Ts Lewis August 14, 2009 at 6:21 AM Congratulations on your HM. TL

Brian Strand August 14, 2009 at 1:46 AM Congrats on your success in Debbie's contest Carrie.Rgds Brian

C. E. Mcmullin July 19, 2009 at 8:15 PM Thank-you for remembering the verterans, who didn't have a choice, and for the tears of rememberance for my friends who never got the chance to come home- Bless you Dear Carrie- Love, poet butterfly

John Rhinem July 19, 2009 at 3:00 PM ~ But, those are just my humbled and personal thoughts....And, this is "Your Magnificent Poem, And, It Is Extremely Stirring, To The Core of Ones Very Deepest Soul!!!":):) ~ "One of 'Your' Very Best, Beautiful Carrie Richards" ~ "My Love & Warmth Always & Forever, To 'You & Your Loves,' Until The Ends of Time, John!!!" ~ "Have A Very Beautiful Evening Dear Gifted Lady," Bye ~

John Rhinem July 19, 2009 at 2:52 PM ~ I have often considered, how would it be that I would wish to die; if, I ever had such a choice!!? It would not be young! Yet if it had to be; then it would be for anothers life; no matter what age I were!!? And "Beautiful Carrie," I love "Your" repeated reference towards prayer here; for I have always believed, that prayer, is one of the greatest things that a life could ever do, for themselves and others!!!?:):) ~ Cont. ~

John Rhinem July 19, 2009 at 2:47 PM ~ "When dread sweeps over the world - Bleak as a wind in the night - As I lay me down to sleep - I pray for young souls who now lay dead - And pray for souls that trudge the night - And all the brave who fight the fight - now I lay me down to sleep - And last I pray for those who weep..." ~ First I would like to say, that this is very sincere, somber, profound, beautifully written and deep!!!:):) ~ Cont. ~

Charmaine Chircop July 15, 2009 at 4:36 PM touched me deep--charma

Charlene Bird July 15, 2009 at 9:53 AM A wonderful and powerful display of verses here Carrie, that shows your heart. Sad, yet well delivered. Good luck in the contest! Thank you for your kind comments, always appreciated.

James Marshall Goff July 14, 2009 at 3:31 PM yes, who passes their brother on the street and walks a wide circle, afraid the mumbling, tattered, bent-over dirty man shuffling by is a danger? more likely a veteran who defended our right to shop at the mall, and lost everything.... oh, great poem! Carrie! this gets my pen shiverin' to post one too!! jim

Ronald Bingham July 14, 2009 at 10:48 AM Carrie the title caught my eye, I pray that little prayer nearly every night I go to bed. This one brought tears to my eyes, all I can say is God bless those men and women and comfort the ones left behind. To date this one touched my heart more than any you have written. God Bless. Ron... I hope it is alright I added this one to my favs. list.