37. Bedtime

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!

Can't I just finish this game, please?

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?

                                      Eleanor Farjeon