Jake Roesler on getting the kids up, going to school, and yogurt.
I Love Mornings
i love mornings.
they’re so full of conflict.
the night sky
gives ground to the dawn,
dark energy fighting
the tireless photons
of a superpowerful sun,
a battle in infintium.
less epically,
i fumble with the snooze button,
trying desperately to hold on to
the happy chipmunk scenario
that my subconscious
created from a midnight snack.
while, at the same time,
hungry feline paws
my head for the tenth time.
taking my groggy swipes
as attempts of affection.
I agree to armistice
with the clock and the cat.
My efforts are needed
on another front.
The kid starts the fight
by refusing to open his eyes,
his pillow-lined face
buries itself
in the fluff of lost slumber.
And, after much cajoling
and a bribe-like breakfast
a squint tells me
round one will be mine.
Round two, three and four
are lost to a hair tussle, shoe fitting,
and differing theories on yogurt.
I fear we’ll never make it to the door.
I’m actually a little impressed
in the little prince’s stamina
to carry this
ante meridiem malfeasance
to the brink of school tardiness.
But, the school bell wins out.
The promise of playtime
with friends is inherent
in that annoying ring.
And, I look to the
next morning challenges:
the traffic, the task list, the boss;
with only a cup of
dark energy
to help me emerge
into the light.
—Photo Aric Riley/Flickr
Awesome! “ante meridiem malfeasance”…I like poems that cause me to use a dictionary ;).
Very well written…captures the tone of mornings with children and the energy required!
cheers.
wonderfully said and evoked
Nice piece Jake. I truly appreciate a poet who is able to tell a story with the words and invite you in to share it. You have done that well here. Thanks–