Bedtime
by Eleanor Farjeon
Five minutes, five minutes more, please!
Let me stay five minutes more!
Can’t I just finish the castle
I’m building here on the floor?
Can’t I just finish the story
I’m reading here in my book?
Can’t I just finish this bead-chain— It almost is finished, look!
When a game’s once begun
It’s a pity never to find out
Whether you’ve lost or won.
Can’t I just stay five minutes?
Well, can’t I stay just four? Three minutes, then? two minutes?
Can’t I stay one minute more?
Can’t I just finish this game, please?
Rules
by Karla Kuskin
Do not jump on ancient uncles.
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Do not yell at average mice.
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Do not wear a broom to breakfast.
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Do not ask a snake’s advice.
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Do not bathe in chocolate pudding.
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Do not talk to bearded bears.
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Do not smoke cigars on sofas.
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Do not dance on velvet chairs.
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Do not take a whale to visit Russell’s mother’s cousin’s yacht.
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And whatever else you do do It is better you
Do not.
