A Rescuer's Prayer

Now I lay me down to rest
I pray my soul can stand this test
Of watching critters lose their homes
While owners gripe and cry and moan 

I long for strength of spirit and
I pray they’ll find a home again
Where they will know a loving heart
I can’t do much, but it’s a start.

And spare me from the owner’s pleas
About the baby’s allergies
Or how they’re moving out of state
Or spitefulness ‘tween cat and mate

Please keep me sane while dealing with
The woman who bought as a gift
A wriggling tiny ball of fluff
That now is playing way too rough

Remind me I should bite my lip
When confronted with “he grew too quick”
“I didn’t know he’d get so large”
“He seems to think that he’s in charge”

Protect my heart when I hear them say
“I think we’ll breed our dog one day”
Sometimes I think it’ll break in two;
Each day brings trials harsh and new

And if I die before I wake
I pray one hopeless soul you’ll take
My tears are gone, my faith is bare
Lord, please hear my rescue prayer.

Submitted by Arlene Sphikas