A Penny for Your Thoughts

Mommy, what would happen

If I went to sleep and never woke up?

Would the stars still shine?

Would the sun come up?

Would my brothers and sisters still want to fight?

Would the mailman run from the dog that bites?

Mommy, what would happen

If I went to sleep and never woke up?

Would they still have school

Or would they board her up?

And what would the janitor do if I wasn’t around?

Would he still sweep the halls

And pick up trash from the ground?

And Mommy, if I slept too long,

Where would I go?

Would I fly off like the birds

Or would I just lie there like snow?

What would really happen

If I went to sleep and never woke up?

Remember when Uncle Nick fell down

And he never got up?

And the ambulance came and took him away?

He’s never been back

But I still have so many things to say.

He used to take me on walks.

And we’d find quarters on the ground.

And then he’d buy me ice cream.

I’m really sad that he’s not around.

Mommy, what would happen

If I went to sleep and never woke up?

Would I ride off to heaven on horses that gallop?

And when I got there,

What would I find?

Lots of old people, some mean and some kind?

I’m asking you, Mom,

‘Cause I really don’t know.

But most of all,

I don’t want you to go.

Mom, do you think that I’m worrying too much?

It’s just that when I’m alone at night,

I’m missing your touch.

I don’t think I ever want to grow up.

Mommy, what would happen

If I went to sleep and never woke up?