A Broken Lullaby

Hush now, there now, please don't cry -
Mommy will sing you a lullaby
of little lambs as white as snow,
and twinkling stars that glitter and glow.

"Hush now, there now, little one -
Mommy's here but Daddy's gone.
Now drink your milk and do not weep,
dry your eyes and go to sleep.

There now, be still, whine no more -
you'll be alone so lock the door.
There's something good for you to eat;
some ham and cheese and a sugary treat.

Please be quiet, let me be -
Mommy's busy, can't you see?
Read a book or go and play,
but don't bother me for the rest of the day.

Oh, come on now, whatever's wrong?
Why isn't all your homework done?
Why do you always lock your door,
and why don't you talk to Mommy anymore?

Oh, no, no, no! It cannot be;
My dearest one is dead, you see -
they found her lying on her bed
with a needle in her arm and a note that read:"

"Hush now, Mommy, please don't cry -
My life is broken and I want to die.
Where I am it's dark and cold,
and I wish I had your hand to hold."

This poem was a finalist in the May 2008 poetry contest