Waking, baking,

breakfast in the making.

Dressing, no stressing,

schedule is not pressing.

Preening, sun-screening

saftey has new meaning.

Bikes, Hikes

outings and the likes.

“Water, daughter!” 

sun is getting hotter.

Lunching, munching

sounds of kiddies crunching.

Rest, nap fest

mommy knows what’s best.

Energize, bright eyes

Return to grass and sunny skies.

Explore, outdoor

Who could ask for more?

Befriending, play pretending

popsicles unending.

Mess up, dress up

“They look so cute!” I fess up.

Sunning, funning

Until the day is done-ing.

My son’s class is having a cacophonous torture session patriotic program, next week, to show case their hard work and singing talent (or lack of, in my son’s case.) As he was practicing the “Star Spangled Banner,” something dawned on me. The words in the song are extremely sentimental and rich in patriotism, yet the majority of our citizens are not. Many people who were born and raised in the good ol’ US of A, have lost (or never had) a strong sense of patriotism. They spend much of their lives complaining about the state of the union, the war, the politics. Not until a national tragedy occurs, do many of our neighbors show a sense of pride for their country. It is pretty sad that the only time I saw amore than ten vehicles display a flag or support slogan, was right after the events of 9/11. Over time, the display of support dwindled. Eventually the complaints started seeping back up through the patriotism. Election years are especially rampant with negative nellies and anti-American slurs. So, as I endured relished my son’s serenade, new words came streaming into my mind. In five painful blissful minutes of being a hostage captive audience, I formulated a new version of our beloved National Anthem. Yes, I am quite the multi tasker….I have mastered the art of pretending to listen while composing poetry, cooking, ending world hunger, etc… It comes from nine years of school performances. Here is the “new” Star Spangled Banner according to the Complainers Anonymous Club of America (aka: CACA)

Oh say can you see

that this country’s lost sight

of the values and God

on which it was founded.

Through long wars and false tongue

we are robbing our young

of a world rich in peace

and a leader who’s grounded.

And the battle for oil

lines their pockets with spoil.

Our leaders live well

from the fruits of our toil.

Oh say does our poor mangled

country cry loud

for return to our first creed

and a truth that stands proud!

While I agree that there are some changes needed and that this is not a perfect land, I still love this place. I feel privileged to live here and think that those who hate it so much, should leave.

Get lost, Sun, and take your rays that sear my bloodshot eyes.

Come back in two hours, when I’m ready for your rise.

Shut up, birds. Be quiet! Stop that perky song.

Don’t you know that I have babies who woke me all night long?

Alarm clock, if you have the will to live, do not bother me.

For if your beeping dares pierce my ear drums, broken you will be.

Husband dear, I love you, but keep your distance, friend.

Your persistence in nudging me awake, may surely mean your end.

Sounds of energetic feet echo loudly in the hallway.

But I’m not prepared to leave these sheets and start another day.

My night shift was a double and seemed to have no end.

Crying, bad dreams, teething, all endless needs to tend.

Sleep, you have eluded me, for the fifth night in a row.

Rest, you have betrayed me. Your face I no longer know.

The only one who accompanies me through long and taxing nights,

Is my dreaded foe, Exhaustion, who afflicts, taunts and smites.

Isn’t there some other mom, who has the luxury of sleep?

Can’t you pick on her for now, so I can count some sheep?

Two hours is not a lot to ask to mend my mental state.

If you do me this small favor, I’ll let you stay up late.