Nurse Death and My Father

COME, says Nurse Death,
’Tis time for bed,
So put away your toys
And pull the covers round your head,
Like other girls and boys.

Of course ye don’t want candlelight —
Such a good child as you!
The moon and stars are out tonight —
And something shinier, too.

Nay, nay, lie down, I will not speak,
That was the final warning.
I’ll fold your hands and smooth your cheek —
And tell ye in the morning. . . .