I work eight hours
just have a quick lunch
run to the subway
At 4:55.
Pick up the children
talk to the teachers
about their day
about their day
now children talk.
Play make-believe
watch some TV
give all the love
they should receive.
Start making dinner
start laundry load
toss the remainders
and wash lunch containers.
Practice their numbers
practice their letters
give them a bath
it’s almost bed time.
Put on soft pjs
read them a story
kiss them good night
and turn off the lights.
Finish the dishes
take garbage out
swipe kitchen floor
I can’t do anymore.
Remove all my make up
despite none left
put on my night guard
in case I’m stressed.
Reply some emails
browse for nonsense
sleep for six hours
could’ve used 8!
Jump in the shower
gain super powers
pluck out that hair
the rest, who cares.
Sweet sleepy faces
brighten my day
have toast and coffee
but milk for them.
Pack their lunches
take them to school
kiss them goodbye
let go off my thigh.
I eight work hours
just brief a take lunch
then sub to runway
At 54.5
Yes, I am exhausted at times
And can’t seem to find the way out
Yet I recharge and keep going
Because I like where I am.
I must have some super powers!
But wonder woman… I’m not.
Zzz…
Last Thursday I met Khadija. Khadija was patiently caring for her sweet 6-year-old daughter, who was about to put together a complicated puzzle on mommy’s phone. She protested in sign language when the fun was taken away, then smiled and proudly showed me her beautiful glitter shoes. Off we went, our separate ways; me, to my “tiring” routine and her, to probably about ten times the amount of work and to take care of her daughter, who is fed through a gastrostomy feeding tube (G-tube).
And that’s how I met Khadija, The Wonder Woman, in real life.
© Irene Z, 2019.
In honor to all struggling parents, parents with sick children, single moms and dads needing support.