by Cindy Burch

Created on: April 19, 2008

My mother did everything to avoid momly duties.
So for time to herself it was "naps for her cuties".

She'd put us to bed in the middle of the day.
It was torture but I learned how to quietly play.

I taught myself how to convincingly feign sleep.
With toys hidden cleverly under covers I'd keep.

I had counted every dot in the asbestos-filled ceiling.
And hearing other kids playing outside had me reeling.

If I fell asleep despite my efforts to fight
It just made it harder to sleep that night.

I'd sing and I'd rock and drive everyone nuts
Considering the spankings, I really had guts!

"Naps" to me was a real nasty word
But now you can know rest assured

That what used to be met with an act of defiance
Would now be happily met with total compliance.

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