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Ode to an ill child

/ sophierharrington / Leave a comment

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The fever started and my reason parted

I always fear the worst.

 

Likely just a virus, that would be desirous

But my mind imagines something absurd.

 

I check you for rashes and temperature flashes

And ask if the light hurts your eyes.

 

I sleep on your floor even though it’s a chore

I want to be here when you wake.

 

You’ll understand, when you hold a little hand

The love that I feel for you.

 

I’ll be your defender, I’ll never surrender,

I brought you into this world.

 

I will sleep near while you still want me here

Because one day this job will be done.

 

I hope when you’re older and I’m up to your shoulder

You’ll still let me be your mum.

 

I want to advise you and let no-one disguise you.

Always be true to yourself.

 

So get well soon and be immune

To whatever it is that you’ve caught.

 

We’ll go and play and enjoy every day

Because life is too precious to waste.

 

Copyright  © Sophie Harrington (2016)

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Tidy Up Time

/ sophierharrington / Leave a comment

 DAY ONE
The living room floor
Is covered in toys galore
I must tidy up this mess.
Impress.

DAY TWO
Don’t clear away Mum,
We’re having fun
We’ll put it away later.
Procrastinator.

DAY THREE
Grandparents will be here soon
Why are your toys still strewn?
I suppose they’re family.
Practicality.

DAY FOUR
I’m starting to ignore
Then suddenly abhor
The state the house is in.
Chagrin.

DAY FIVE
Please pick it up
I’m sick to the gut
Or I am doing it now.
Disavow.

DAY SIX
I’ve stubbed my toe
No more saying no
We’ll tidy this together.
Countermeasure.

LATER DAY SIX
I love my floor
I won the war
And now they’ve gone to bed.
Glass of red.

Copyright  © Sophie Harrington (2015)

More Sophie Harrington poetry: Never Forget or Slow Down

Slow Down

/ sophierharrington / 15 Comments

Slow down, it’s not too late

Leave the dishes, they can wait

He’s asking you if you want to play

Don’t say no and turn away.

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I must cook your tea now little one

I have to finish cleaning now I have begun.

He walks away, you carry on

He’ll soon stop asking, he’ll soon be grown.

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He pulls your trousers and says please play

But you’re trying to put his things away

I can’t right now, my precious one

Just wait a while and I will be done.FullSizeRender (2)

But later comes and it’s time for tea

Bath time next and bed you see

You must learn that he won’t stay 

This little for long and want you to play.

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Put down the saucepan and run outside

You can count while he tries to hide.

He’ll remember this and so will you

These precious moments are oh, so few.FullSizeRender

Copyright  © Sophie Harrington (2015)

More of my poems for parents: Back to School and Birth of a Naturalist

My poem was also published on Netmums website http://www.netmums.com/children/slow-down-a-poem-for-parents

It had a great reaction on Netmums’ Facebook page, with almost 1,400 likes and 545 shares on that site alone!