‘Twas the night before school started when all through the house
All creatures were stirring, even the spouse
The backpacks were placed by the back door so bare
Because there were no books or pencils in there
The children were wrestling with going to bed
While visions of tardiness danced in mom’s head
Maybe some Benadryl, or some arm straps
Would settle their brains so we could all get naps
When from the kids’ rooms arose such a clatter
Mom sprang into action to deal with the matter
Away down the hall she flew like a flash
Armed for stalling, forked tongues of backlash
She yelled, “Bedtime was thirty minutes ago!”
They said, “But mom, we’re just too excited though!”
Then, what to her mothering eyes should appear
Lack of melatonin in the eyes of her dears
She had a short window to pull out a trick
It was getting late and she’d better act quick
If the kids were not on time, she would get blame
So she hissed and kissed them and called them by name
Now eldest! Now middle! Now baby and dog!
You WILL go to sleep before morning fog
Tomorrow’s a big day. Super early I’ll call
“It’s time to get up kids…come on y’all!”
To the kitchen to eat breakfast, you will fly
You’ll want to roll back over..yes you will try
But NO, as the caffeinated beverage that I brew
Coats my empty tummy, you’ll brush your teeth too
And then, in a twinkling, as the dog goes “woof”
Sleepy or not you will provide more proof
That as the first morning of back to school comes ’round
Things WILL go smoothly, I’m determined and bound
You’ll all be dressed crisply, from your head to your foot
No waxy ears! Q-tip to the ear you’ll put
As you throw that brand new shirt on your back
You’ll thank your mama for the lunch that she packed
You’re eyes how they’ll twinkle, your dimples so merry
Your hair will be brushed, your breath so airy
You’ll let me put your hair up in a cute little bow
“Yes ma’am”and “I love you” wherever you go
There won’t be any residual plaque on your teeth
You’ll wear that angelic halo like a Christmas wreath
With a smile on your face and a full little belly
Shoelaces will be tied, your pits will NOT be smelly
As the alarm just went off on a nearby shelf
I run to your rooms and then laugh to myself!
All you kids jump right up, into the bathroom you head
You’ve relieved me as I see I’ve nothing to dread
It’s just way too early, but we all get to work
The eldest tries to swipe junk food with a smirk
Breakfast is eaten, baby has yogurt on his nose
Middle child has some drama, it’s okay I suppose!
In route to school, to Justin Timberlake we whistle
I smile and say “I’ll be here at dismissal”
Doing wheelies, tires smoking as I drive out of sight
“Happy back to school mama…time for some peace and quiet!”