A day in the life of a mother

My head hits the pillow, but it’s time to arise,
The sun is still sleeping it has yet to arrive.
arefully I tiptoe as quiet as a mouse,
Not a sound I make as I move about the house.

For now they sleep, there is peace in the air,
I prepare myself for the chaos they share.
There it is, I can hear them awake
Quickly to the kitchen, I have bottles to make.

I take too long and they cry in distress,
I walk into their room and already it’s a mess.
The blankets are thrown all over the floor,
But it’s only the start; I know there’ll be more!

Next its breakfast, oh what a rant,
How do you get porridge in your underpants?
The mess is cleaned and the children dress,
Let’s hope from now we will be free of stress.

Alas I was wrong; it is not to be,
The potty is missed; on the floor is a wee!
Quickly now I must rush to clean it,
Too late... the baby has seen it.

In it she crawls, laughing and splashing,
The toddler joins in, this is just smashing!
Bath time I guess, a little early I know,
It’s only half past breakfast, there’s a full day to go.

The bath goes well, they love the water,
Despite it all I love my son and daughter.
Dressed again I have a few moments spare,
They are playing together and learning to share.

I try to be selfish and use the time on myself,
Instead I spy on them from behind the shelf.
They are laughing and clapping, it gives me such joy,
Oh no, now they’re fighting, over a toy!

Lunch is a simple, but delicate affair,
If I plan it right, I can avoid food in my hair.
Nap time now; let’s hope it’s a long one,
Maybe I’ll have time to get the housework done!

Two hours they rest, not a sound while they sleep,
I’m so exhausted, I fall in a heap.
Again they awake, it’s all too soon
What will we do for the afternoon?

We’re off to the park for an hour of fun,
To enjoy the fresh air and the warmth of the sun.
They try the slide first and it’s definitely a hit!
Now I just have to teach them to sit!

Next they have a go on the swing,
And of course I’m the sucker who has to push this thing!
They climb and roll and run and jump,
And cry and cry at their injury bump.

They play some more to see who’s the winner,
Then its home again, to prepare for dinner.
Daddy is home, at the table he waits,
It’s time for him to participate!

Together we eat, and enjoy our meal
Predictably the mess is all too real.
Bath time again, then we prepare for bed
Time to rest those weary heads.

I read them a story as they sit on my lap,
And as they follow along they laugh and clap.
Finally they are off to sleep,
And once again I fall in a heap.

Now it’s my turn to relax and recover,
What a joke! My day isn’t over.
Mother and Father together we clean,
Until once again our house is pristine.

We know in our hearts our efforts are in vein,
For tomorrow our children will once again reign.
Together we snatch a few moments of night,
But are interrupted when a child wakes up in fright.

Finally its time and I’m off to bed,
My turn to rest my heavy head.
Gradually I doze and my heart slows it’s race,
And I notice the tickle of breath in my face!

My eyes snap open to the dark and gloom,
And wearily I escort my child to his room.
Finally I’m over this last surprise,
My head hits the pillow, but it’s time to arise.

----Angela Brient----