Sleep My Baby

This poignant lullaby (by Francisco J. Nunez) has been sung by one generation after another and in many variations. The text tells the story of a mother who assures her child that it is safe to fall asleep. A guardian angel has been sent to protect the child and watch over its dreams.

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The rain pelted down in long, unrelenting sheets, tearing apart the temporary, makeshift hut.

((Go to sleep my baby))

The young child clung tightly to his mother's blouse, futilely fighting back tears and trying desperately to stay aloft in the tattered raft.

((Sleep my shining sun.))

His father's strong hand wrapped around his tiny form in an effort of comforting his son.

((Go to sleep my darling.))

The boy looked up at his parents through wet, salty, emerald-green eyes.

((Sleep my precious one.))

Suddenly, the raft lurched violently, cascading through strong currents and over dangerous falls.

((Go to sleep my baby.))

Garfield fell from the sanctity of his parents and into the unforgiving water.

((See the gleaming angel.))

Crying out through the water filling his lungs, Garfield sank deeper and deeper.

((Waiting to protect you.))

He flailed his arms and kicked his legs helplessly screaming for his mother and father to save him.

((Guardian of your dreaming.))

When all seemed lost, arms lifted him to the surface, opening his eyes.

((Go to sleep my baby.))

He was embraced once more, sobbing and shivering uncontrollably.

((Sleep my shining sun.))

The sight of the waterfall was the undeniable sign of their impending doom.

((Go to sleep my baby.))

At the word of his father and the kiss of his mother, Garfield's heart wrenched as he escaped the loving arms and transformed into a tiny green dove soaring through the night sky.

((Sleep my precious one.))

He never looked back as he heard the screams; he only flew regretfully to his freedom.

((Go to sleep my baby, sleep my shining sun. Go to sleep my darling, sleep my precious one.))

--

So, there it is. I don't plan on writing anymore on this unless I get some requests. I was just having serious writers' block with my other fics and here was some slack! I hope everyone enjoyed this little number. It's supposed to be a dramatic dream/nightmare of Beat Boy's, recollecting his traumatic past with an old lullaby his mother used to sing to him echoing in the background. Comments and flames are welcomed! Thanks for taking time to read my fic! Love ya!

--Chocolate Usagi