empty by noon

Hello.

Im back.

And Im empty.

Writing is therapy.

Free therapy, might I add.

I wake to the noises of a rooting little one all through out the night.

Im up

with a jump,

I bound up the stairs.

I lift her and kiss her and hold her loving stares.

I feed her from my own body

and lay her gently back down

make my way to bed

Dare not make a sound.

6 am

I wake

yet again

to

"MOMMYYYYYY, MOMMY!!"

Sleep is over- the day begins.

I smile, I hug, I kiss

and

I love.

I cook and prepare 

Double check what is there

No toxins, no fluoride, no pesticides please.

No hormones, no chemicals,

every single label I read.

"Mommy, no like dis."

"Baby, its good for you eat what I make."

"MOMMY, NO!"

to time out you go,

no breakfast today.

Children, no running.

Please, walking feet.

My patience is slowly

Draining right out of me

I laugh, I play,

Dance, sing songs

imagine all day

and correct all their wrongs.

No hitting

Time out

No back talk

Time out

No jumping

No biting

Nothing sassy

Time. OUT!

Noses in corners

and tears on the wall

Yes, I know what you think-

Im no fun at all.

Nap time.

You sleep.

Silence.

is fine.

I wipe, scrub, and sweep.

Oh you're awake!

So bright eyed,

refreshed.

I however,

Have just caught my breath.

Ok let's play

sing and dance 

the rest of the day.

Smile, wave

Hello, hello

how are you?

Huh? What is what?

Oh its just baby food.

Ah your hair IS cut.

How nice.

In the last year…

Ive cut mine twice.

"Hey! Where is your filter?

and wow your attitude

is a bit off kilter.

Where is your drive?

Your commitment, your finesse?

Why don't you try

To strive for your best?"

Mingle, entertain

Just think before you say

"Im so sorry. I forgot what it means to be sane

Did you forget I speak to toddlers all day?"

Ok, you get it

you can imagine, you understand

just wave and smile

look pretty, shake a hand

Hurry please!

there is no time more opportune

"Forgive me,"

I say

"I was empty by noon."