Today we played
Today we played together, me and you.
No rules, no time constraints, no interruptions.
We held hands and jumped in circles on your bed.
You threw your head back and giggled.
We fell together, collapsing with dizzy delight.
We ran through the house dancing and singing, skipping and hopping.
You followed behind me, my sweet shadow.
You were breathless with laughter.
I hid some of your toys, the small people you always play with.
You took your bucket and collected each one, announcing with pride, “Here he is!”
You hid them from me, “Close you eyes Mommy.” You say.
It is my turn to find their hiding places.
You help me locate every one and remain just as excited as the first time we played.
We paint, draw, and color.
I cut out pieces of paper. You glue them randomly, creating art.
We hang it in your room.
You shout to Daddy, “Come look at my wall!”
You speak in broken sentences, but your message is conveyed.
You grasp my hand as we walk down the front steps.
The December sun is warm against my face.
Your soft hair stands no chance in the wind and dances about your head as you run across the lawn.
I watch you playing.
You are happiness, love, harmony.
I am overcome with gratitude to be your mommy.
You make my soul drip with pleasure.
You make life… worth living good.
“Being at home can be fun, insulating, relaxed, boring or isolating ... depending on how the day is going.”*
School holidays are almost over in my part of the world – six long weeks of noise and squabbling balanced by hot, lazy days at the beach or the pool with lots of daring exploits and laughter. Many of our days were spent at home, basking in simple pleasures like baking, playing games or outdoor pursuits – trying to relax the everyday routines of school-morning bustle and ‘having to be somewhere on time’. However pleasant, I must admit to being relieved that life gets back to normal next week, and I can reclaim some of my own time for writing again!
* From Being Mummy by Anne‑marie Taplin published April 2007