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This challenge comes form poet James A. Tweedie:
Perhaps the most familiar of all formal, English-language poems is the classic 18th century bedtime prayer that reads:
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord, my soul to keep.
But if I die before I wake
I pray the Lord, my soul to take.
Over the years, sensitive parents have rewritten it many ways including like this:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
Angels watch me through the night,
And wake me with the morning light.
The poem has often been parodied and although I believe the original version was perfectly suitable in its day, I’m confident that there are some of you who will be inspired by my challenge to improve on it!
Post your version in the comments section below. No winners, losers, gold medals or participant’s trophies—just fun. Here are three to help kick-start your Muse:
Now I lay me down to rest;
I cheated on my Civics test
But since I got away with it
And passed, I feel okay with it.
Now I lay me down to sleep
I know that what I sow, I’ll reap.
But does that count if no one heard
Me call Irene a “stinky turd?”
As I kneel and bow my head
I pray that I won’t wet the bed
The way I did two nights ago—
And please don’t let my sister know.
Ready, Set, Go!
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Lord, I must finish come what may
These tasks I have put off all day.
My pile of chores is shoulder-deep.
Stay up with me – don’t let me sleep.
Now I lay me down to crib
To give a rest to mother’s hip.
No doubt before the morn I’ll wake;
My need, her breast will not forsake.
Now I lay me down to bed,
I’ve snuggled down wee sleepyhead.
But he will wake before the sun,
And I will nurse my little one.
Now I lay me down to sleep,
With bed all night a tryst I’ll keep.
Son’s need of dad’s not probable;
Since nursing is not possible.
Now I lay me down my schnoz
Upon my weary, furry paws.
And dream of days when Junior’s big,
And I can teach him how to dig.
Now I lay me down to pounce
Upon the unsuspecting mouse.
The humans wish to sleep tonight,
But I will hunt til morning light.
Now I lay me near the trap,
I hope for cheese and not a snap.
I must within this hole abide,
Away from cat who wants my hide!
Now I lay me down in bed.
I’ve worked so hard, I feel half dead.
If I’m a stiff before the morn,
Go milk my cow and pick the corn.