Divorced Father's Bedtime Prayer

Now I lay me down alone
Another day away from home.
I've heard no words of love today
no young one asked to go and play.
No pleasant touch of the lady's hand
that now reaches toward another man.
I wonder if they think of me
and wish for life that used to be.
Or are they glad that I'm not there
or do they simply just not care?

A fading picture on the wall
is just no substitute at all
for a life that once was mine
back when things could be made fine.
After years the sadness stays
the tears still come, most every day.
I do my work, I eat my food,
I'm getting by, but life's no good.
Without my family what am I?
Just another useless guy.
Some folks say I'll again take vows,
but life is empty, here and now.
There's no point to life alone,
thousand of miles from love and home.
So Father, for Thy mercy's sake,
let me not be forced to wake.