Some long days the baby cries
and the toddler screams
and the 5 year old seems to have
ants in his pants
and a megaphone around his neck.
Some long days
the toddler won’t nap
and the phone rings five times
during the quiet-time movie
and it seems nothing can wait
for you to just chill out and relax
for just an hour…even half an hour!
Some long days
the boys fill your kettle with pencil crayons
and draw on the bathroom door
and the baby wakes up
as soon as you begin the math lesson
and everyone moans and groans
and forgets how to round to the nearest ten.
Some long days you hit dinner time
with a sense of desperation…
“How long till bed?!”
and sing along to “The Muppets” soundtrack
in an attempt to feel that you’ve got
“Everything that I need, right in front of me.”
Some long days
the smartest thing you do
is have a glass of wine with dinner
and veto everything but laughter
as you listen to stories from the Vinyl Cafe
with the kids
who delight in the one
when Dave gets trapped in a sewer
after dropping down his keys
and gets mistaken for a monster by a little boy.
Some long days
the greatest relief is the feeling of your toddler
drooling on your shoulder
as you rock him to sleep early, to prevent any more fits.
Success! The little beast is quiet…
and you can actually read the others
“The Never-Ending Story” about Atreyu and Bastian,
the luck dragon Falcor and the childlike Empress,
until their eyes close and their breath gets deep and even.
Despite all the chaos,
all they’ll probably remember about today is
listening to stories with you
and falling asleep on the warmth of your lap.
Some long days
when the hours drag on,
remember you’re not alone
and try to end them with a smile…
Just keep picturing diving into bed
and sinking into the sweet relief of sleep!
Some long days, mamas,
you gotta keep your eye on the prize!
Just East Of Crazy Land 
Beautiful! And just what I needed, with a house full of sick kids here… We just listened that Vinyl Cafe story about Dave in the sewer too – HILARIOUS! 🙂
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Awesome! Glad you could relate! 😉 xox hope everyone feels better soon! Keep it up, nurse mama!
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And some long days, when the biggest kids won’t stop fighting and you just want to give them away, you wish away spring break and wonder how those supermamas homeschool! You’re an inspiring example…even your exasperating days sound peaceful! I will pray for the peace and graces you have, as I struggle with my six…four of whom go to school!
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…I mean “sound peaceful” in the way you handle them. Better woman than me!
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You’re too kind! Thanks for the encouragement and prayers…trust me I need them! 😉 We have our share of yelling around here, too, but I keep trying to remember that every moment is a new chance to do better and be happy…and begin again!
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Great flowing poem and baby looks amused at all the goings on. Hope you have a good long sleep soon😘
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Thank you! 🙂
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Anna, I always enjoy your poetry! You often put into beautiful words just what I’m feeling. Thank you!
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Oh, you’re so welcome! I’m glad you could relate to my long day ramble…and that it didn’t just come off as a huge complaint! 😉 But I figured we all have days like that, so keeping it real…All the best to you, and thanks for reading!
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