NIGHTFALL’S GIFT

I’ve finished dinner and bathed my child,
my body’s tired but my mind runs wild.
It’s not long now till it’s time for bed
though I know he’ll try to stay up instead.

School holidays only help his cause,
I feel so mean when I lay down laws.
His eyes have taken on a sleepy hue;
if I mention bed we’ll have a blue!

He’s seven years old and full of life,
easily bored and attracted to strife;
he doesn’t set out to hurt anyone
but his playful antics keep me on the run.

He was up before the sun again
and ran to my room with this refrain:
“Wake up mum, the sun is out.”
I stayed in bed and he began to pout.

He hugged me tight and kissed my cheek
and reluctantly I sneaked a peek.
The cat added her loudest howl,
I didn’t respond and she began to prowl.

She wanted her breakfast and so did he;
once again they were nagging me!
I love them both but I’m a sleepy head
who treasures a chance to laze in bed.

Josh gave in and snuggled up close,
I smiled in triumph and began to doze.
Not for long, I forgot the damn cat!
She’d never let me get away with that.

My day was filled with mundane things,
but night has fallen and my soul sings.
‘She who nurtures’ recedes once more
as ‘The Poetess’ rises from my core.

I’m on a mission so to bed he goes,
regardless of the tantrums he throws.
It’s not for long, (he’s had a full day)
The silence descends and I have my say.

Locked within night’s gentle embrace
at last I can show my creative face.
The TV’s off and I’ve locked the door;
my muse is holding court once more.

© Sandra Anne Beal