Monday 30 November 2015

Christmas

It's now your third Christmas, the years seem to fly,
I look at your face with a tear in my eye.
Excitement is high now, the tree has gone up,
You wish that old Santa would please hurry up.

I think about loved ones no longer on Earth,
I pray that they see you place stocking on hearth.
The season is mixed with nostalgia and joy,
We're creating your memories, not just buying toys.

You'll look back on these times one day when you're all grown,
Tell stories and tales to a child of your own.
Whatever life's troubles, let all sorrows lift,
And make this a good one, each day is a gift,

Monday 2 November 2015

Always a mum

She catches the tube for a Friday night out,
Her hair freshly blow-dried, a painted on pout,
She looks just like anyone heading to town,
But look a bit closer, you'll see a slight frown.

If you opened her bag you might find some more clues,
A crushed box of raisins, a note about shoes.
Next to her make-up a packet of wipes,
Some small bits of plastic, the bell from a trike.

She sits up and breathes, her face softens and mends,
This moment so rare now, a date with old friends.
She flicks through her phone-pics of giggles and smiles,
She looks out the window, seems lost for a while.

It's time to get off now as this is her stop,
She makes a quick call "Keep an eye on his cough",
Tonight she is her again, time to have fun,
But wherever she goes she is always a mum.


Monday 31 August 2015

Pre-school

Your first day at pre-school, where has the time flown?
No longer in nappies, you've blossomed and grown.
Our 'us' time is changing, I have to let go,
Your turn to make choices and friends of your own.

At first I'll stay with you and watch you with care,
I'll then say goodbye "Please play nicely and share".
I pray you won't cry, I'll be coming back soon,
I'll sit in a coffee shop, stare at my spoon.

Three hours will go slowly, then time to return,
You'll rush out to greet me, tell me all that you've learned.
In no time it's 'real school' there's no turning back,
I'll cherish these years and my heart feels a crack.

They say it goes quickly, these precious few years,
At times it's been hard with the tantrums and tears.
You're no longer a baby my beautiful son,
So let's welcome your boyhood, adventures to come.

Sunday 21 June 2015

A Father's Day Message

We know we're sometimes a pain, don't you dare call it 'nagging',
But you're there for us all when our energy's flagging,
You get overlooked once the children are here,
So on this annual day grab yourself a cold beer.

We may moan about housework, beard hairs in the sink,
But we prize your support when we're right on the brink.
To hear conversations between you and our child,
Melts away all resentments when we feel tired and riled.

Family life can be wonderful but also quite hard,
When resources are stretched and you've maxed out your cards.
Forget yesterday's quibbles and having 'your say',
give your partner a hug on this year's Fathers Day.

Mummy Poet x

Thursday 18 June 2015

Nearly Three

You're nearly three the time has flown,
Each time I blink I swear you've grown,
The date for pre-school quickly looms,
My stomach knots, it's come too soon.

I see you at parks wanting big boy friends,
And I know our times coming to an end.
I'll take deep breaths, it's time for change,
I need to adjust my mum radar range.

You'll soon have a life that I'll not always see,
And so now son it's time that I think about me.
It's been hard sometimes, I'll honestly say,
But I don't regret a single day.


Saturday 13 June 2015

On my mind and in my heart

When I'm away you're with me still,
I can't detach or leave at will,
I want you close though know it's impossible,
Physical proximity at work's not permissible.

You're my little boy though I know I can't hold you,
Right now I'm your world but quite rightly you'll fly soon,
Your friends will become more important than us,
When you leave us for school I'll not make a fuss.

To love is to cherish, teach well and let go,
I want for you freedom, I want you to know,
That whether you're near or we live far apart,
You'll be on my mind and right here in my heart.

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Mum of a boy

The house is a mess,
There are crumbs on the floor,
A big pile of sticks in a heap by the door.
Lego and dumper trucks litter each surface,
You run around parks, try to keep up with his pace.

Some days so loving, your sweet cutie-pie,
Other days chaos, clumsy whacks in the eye.
A whirlwind of hormones you can't understand,
One day he'll tower over you, a strapping young man.

He helps with the housework, you hope it's a sign,
That he'll grow up respectful, considerate, kind.
You want him to thrive, love his life, have some fun,
You hope future wife gets along with 'old mum'.

Some days you feel anxious, advice falls on deaf ears,
Boys nights out in the future knots your stomach with fears.
You look at his small face, engrossed in a toy,
He'll always adore you, you're the mum of a boy.

Monday 25 May 2015

Today is the day

Today is the day that my toddler won't fuss,
He won't have a meltdown on sweaty packed bus,
He'll eat all his vegetables, try out some fruit,
I'll chat on on the phone and he won't scream "TOOT TOOT".

Today is the day that he'll wee on the pot,
Won't refuse his cool dinner for being "TOO HOT!"
He won't tantrum and cry when we mention a bath,
Accept that it's bedtime with a shrug and a laugh.

Today is the day when he won't snatch a toy,
Will share and play nicely with other small boy.
He'll be happy and helpful, won't needle and whine,
He won't have a tantrum at 'tidy-up' time.

Maybe tomorrow.

Wednesday 13 May 2015

Perfect


There is a mummy in a class I go to once a week,
She’s young and pretty, groomed ... composed, in awe I sneak a peek.
Long dark hair and slim of build, I can’t help but feel a frump,
I look down at faded leggings, in my throat I feel a lump.

I think it’s time I upped my game so next time take some care,
I slick black liner on my eyes, I even brush my hair.
Arriving early at the class I feel a sense of shock,
As perfect-mum removes her shoes, revealing holes in grubby socks.

So stunned am I to see this this flaw, this crack in her perfection,
I find it hard to look away and force myself to change direction.
Looking closer at her I can see that she’s been crying,
I catch her eye, smile and chat, feel bad I've been caught spying.

It turns out she’s been up all night, her toddlers having nightmares,
She’s struggling with her workload and she can’t afford her train-fares.
Her partner works such long hours and her in-laws are invasive,
She wants to stay part-time but pushy bosses are persuasive.

She says she’s found it hard to cope, her old friends free and single,
She says she’s always been quite shy, at classes finds it hard to mingle.
We all have bad days, don’t compare - try not to judge each other,
In sweat-pants or designer jeans it’s hard to be a mother.