Monday, October 8, 2018

Do you see me?

Do you see me in the morning
Before your waking eyes
Foggy winds blow violently
And it’s calm
Coffee gurgling, drip, drip, drip
The light is too harsh though it is still dark
And it’s quiet
The steam of the shower
Makes a different kind of fog
But it’s clearer
Another light goes on
Meow for her food, the rumble of the cup as it scoops the dry food
The first sip; hot, rich, sweet and creamy

All this and more before you wake.

Do you see me during the day
8:00 am every day; too bad school starts later
Up and out early, walk on your own
Not the mom I want to be
Meetings, do this, remember that
Schedule this, clarify that
Oversee and manage, develop and grow
Personalities and egos and needs and expectations
Deliver, deliver, deliver
Work for promotion even if you don’t know what that looks like
Introvert must promote herself
Guilty taking a sick day
Guilty taking PTO
Make sure you get your hours
Make sure you get out.

Do you see me in the evening
A quick check of the mailbox, mostly junk
Shoes off
Straight to the kitchen, off I go
Bag down, quick sort of the mail
“What’s for dinner?” Is a common refrain
Clank, tinkle, cabinets open and close
Chop, grind, stir, mix
Clank, tinkle, drawers open and close
Dinner’s ready! Let me start a load of laundry
If I’m lucky I pick a good question or two
While I have you captive
Fold clothes, switch loads, rinse and repeat
Dishes and counters
Homework check
I can sit down.
It’s time to go to bed.