evidently the graphic depiction of Tommy’s murder a Downs Syndrome man in Ken Bruens book Headstone has been following him around somuchso that Death is in his sleephis dreams their head beside his

whispers in his ear

                      What’s with that?

I was recalling a childs prayer

You prayed it when you were little kneeling on the hardwood floor you had remove the throw rug.

Yes

And after you prayed and returned the rug you’d call your parents.

Yes

Tell them you’d prayed and were ready to go to sleep.

Yes

Thinking perhaps . . . no . thinking you may die in your sleep.

Yes

Because you knew what death was, who I am, because your parents decided you needed to know, to know that every human beings dies.

Yes

The wakes and funerals you attended when your aunts and uncles wouldn't bring their children.

Yes

 

The prayer.  How does it go do you remember? You haven’t recited it since you were little.

   Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the lord my soul to keep if I die before I wake I pray the lord my soul to take

Yes.

       Do you think if you die in your sleep I don’t startle youwake you . frighten you as if waking from a terrifying nightmare?

Nightmares are dreams an dreams do not wake me  I play with an in my dreams

                                                                                      Lots of luck waking me

Yes.  I am aware.

For the lord I do not believe

Yes.

For my soul I havent one

Yes.

Ill be seeing you

Yes.

      You will see me, eventually.

Yes

AMish,  Reggaefriday,  14  6. 24