It seemed a good idea, I thought
Some hours in the yard.
The winter months had been so long
And I felt the need of working hard.
So armed with gloves and rakes and things,
I started out the door.
Trailed by two toddlers
Who loved to help with Gramma’s chores.
Things went well for a tic or two,
As Gramma started in,
The girls spun circles in the yard
Till Linney fell and bumped her chin.
A kiss and cuddle, tears were gone
It really wasn’t hard.
I set her down and looked to see
That Hazel’d wandered from the yard.
She’d not gone far, I scooped her up
And carried her back home.
Then penned them both behind the gate,
And told them sternly ‘not to roam’.
While toddlers watched, I grabbed my rake,
But got no further then,
‘Cause Hazel shrieked; I had to run
She’d fallen in the mud . . . again.
I fished her out and cleaned her off,
A kiss and all was well,
Then turned just as another shriek,
Told me Lin was stuck as well.
I’m sure by now you’ve realized
I didn’t manage much.
With Lin caught in the tramp’line springs
And Hazel eating chalk and such.
Four trips to bathroom, ‘Pee, potty now!’
And squabbles over things,
And pouring sand in someone’s hair,
And all the angst that action brings.
Searching the yard from stem to stern
For Linney’s missing shoe,
Then doing the whole thing o'er again
Cause Hazel’s hat was ‘somewhere’, too.
With helping up and helping down
And watching in between.
It’s no wonder that my work just sat,
With little progress to be seen.
Last night when all were sound asleep
And peace had been restored,
I looked out the window there,
And sang my praises to the Lord.
For though my tools were strewn about
And no sign of success,
My time was so well spent, because
Two little girls, my day did bless.
Very clever, and very sweet!
ReplyDeleteStill, I wonder how I (and they) survived my children's toddler years.
I wonder that every day, Marty!
DeleteClever. And very, very true.
ReplyDeleteA garden doesn't grow any faster than little people, and needs less tending. More than it gets, but less than the little people need.
So true, EC!
DeleteOh SO true - for parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents (my mom can attest). I've always loved the last four lines of Ruth Hamilton's poem:
ReplyDeleteThe cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.
You've written a new version :)
And I LOVE the cover of your book!
I LOVE that poem! And just wait until you see the dedication for that book, Jenny! ;)
Deletethe sweetest, truest poem I ever read.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, River!
DeleteI loved this Grandmother moment! Awesome poetry~
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet, LeAnn! :)
DeleteI know my time's coming soon as the twins are starting to crawl!
ReplyDelete