Sleepy-Heads Poem by cheryl davis miller

I spin the true tale of the Candy-man.
For those who'd like a bedtime-story.
I want you to sleep on my little ones.
I'll try not to make it too gory.

The sleepy-heads longing for someone who,
would care for them just like their mother.
Fell for his fables, of all he would do,
and swallowed it hook, line and sinker.

Little by little they woke up to find,
their lives would forever be altered.
Instead of the comfort of 'Mama's' hand,
he wanted them gathered and slaughtered.

Oh my what big eyes these little ones cried.
The better to see all you're doing.
Why such big ears, sleepy-heads then replied.
The better to hear any griping.

Sleepy-head gazing at four-inch long teeth,
did not want to learn of their purpose.
Longing for blankets and pillows of down,
to sleep on and escape this circus.

But I heard you grumble, Candy-man said.
So now you must somehow be punished.
So one by one voices were silenced as,
sleepy-heads across the land vanished.

Awaken you sleepy-heads from your sleep,
quick; before the real night-mare begins.
Else we'll all awaken too late and find,
the Candy-man's game ends; with no wins.

c.d.m. 10/24/13