Parenting

Trying to get the kids off to school

without yelling or being to cruel,

up early for the bus,

a hurried sort of fuss,

hopefully to learn the golden rule.

How do I avoid nagging my teen

in a way not construed of as mean,

through his thick uncut hair

how do I make him care

when he doesn't seem to give a bean.

If I turn my head to the youngest

away from the antics of oldest

I may miss some mischief

through the junk and the stuff

It seems our third child is the boldest.

When they fight its a kid soap opera

searing psychological trauma

over a broken toy

that brought a fleeting joy

their drama like reruns of Oprah.

No matter how long they do their chores

whether cleaning their rooms or the floors

at the speed that they clean

the house stays a crime scene

we should just live in the great outdoors.

But through all this hustle and bustle

calming their tears after a wrestle

a band aid for each scrape

sometimes with extra tape

into a family hug we nestle.

Even though I feel no one listens

and surrounded by crazy chickens

there are moments of peace

at night when noises cease

when sleeping in certain positions.

As parents we redefine our joy

when we create a small cunning ploy

to create one second

in life that seems pleasant

one moment of quiet to enjoy.