I Want To Be More Like Them

Tonight my children hugged my neck
Then kissed me on the cheek.
Their bodies melted into mine
As my heart grew soft and weak.

Amazed at all the love they have
And the forgiveness they possess
Allows them to express their love
And forget about all the rest.

As I watch them mosey on to bed
And waste time along the way
I reminisce of all the things
That went on at home today.

Rush to get them out of bed
Throw clothes upon their backs
Already feeling frustrated
As they leave messes in their tracks.

Sweeping brushes through their hair
With yelps as knots are found
Patience wearing thin by now,
Toys already on the ground.

Quickly pulling out the bowls
For cereal and milk
Wishing they would hurry up.
The bus will be here quick.

Reminding them to brush their teeth
And don't forget to rinse
Knowing the inevitable,
Someone will come out drenched.

I hand out kisses and back packs
As I rush them to the bus
Wishing they would hurry
As I remind myself, don't cuss.

I wave to them so proudly
As I catch the kiss they've blown
And tears build up in my eyes
As I realize how they’ve grown.

Today will be the day, I think
I will make my children proud.
I'll have more patience with them today
And my voice will not be loud.

I’ll be the mom
of every kids dream
I’ll plan fun things
And keep their room clean.

But before I know it the bus is home
And the kids are out of school.
Today's the day I'm going to try
To really keep my cool.

I ask them how their day was
As they drop their things on the floor.
By now they’ve kicked their shoes off
And running out the door.

Get back in here and pick up this stuff
And don't go out again
Put your shoes where they belong
You're not playing with your friends.

Your room's a mess as is this house
And I am not your maid.
I’m wondering when I will receive
The patience for which I've prayed.

Stop fighting with your sister
And leave your brother alone
We have to get this house in shape
Daddy is on his way home.

I vowed I’d be a Super Mom
And I hoped it would start today
Maybe I’ll start some other time,
Tomorrow's on it's way.

Rummaging through the cabinets
Wondering what to cook
Dinner was scheduled an hour ago
And they won't let me off the hook.

Can't have pizza again tonight
McDonald’s I am sick of
Put time management on your prayer list
Is all that I can think of.

Leftovers is a great idea.
They liked it yesterday.
But how do I convince them of that?
Somehow I’ll find a way.

Stop being silly at the table
And where do you think you’re going?
Did you ever pick up your clothes
That you left on the floor this morning?

Remove your plates from off the table
And let me check your homework.
What do you mean it’s not complete?
Do you think that I’m a jerk?

March yourself into your room
And get that homework done.
God what happened to my patience today?
I thought you'd give me some.

No one gets dessert tonight
Your room is still not clean
I wanted to make them proud today
I don't want to be so mean.

Get on your jammies and brush your teeth
It’s time to get to bed.
How many times do I have to say
Stop running or you'll hit your head.

Turn that music down I yell
How could you like that song
And why is it that you pick and fight
With each other all day long?

I’ve had enough just go to sleep
And sleep in your own bed
I think your hearing should be checked
You haven't heard a word I’ve said.

I plop down in my chair to rest
But only for a minute
I swore I’d clean this house today
But unfortunately I didn't.

In a line, here they come
What do they want now?
I swore I would be better today
What happened to that vow?

We all just wanted to say goodnight
And tell you that we love you.
And as I saw them standing there
The guilt inside me grew.

As each of them hugged my neck
Then kissed me on the cheek.
Their bodies melted into mine
As my heart grew soft and weak.

Amazed at all the love they have
And the forgiveness they possess
Allows them to express their love
And forget about all the rest.

As I watch them mosey on to bed
And waste time along the way
I reminisce of all the things
That went on at home today.

Tomorrow will be the day, I think
I will make my children proud.
I’ll have more patience with them then
And my voice will not be loud.

Lord above, can you hear my plea
Teach me to be like them.
Make me blind to the little things
As they mean nothing in the end.

Gretchen France
5/23/01