The three of them
I looked around the table at the faces watching me
and decided what I needed was a nice hot cup of tea.
Three grandchildren waiting for the never-ending food,
I wanted to enjoy them while I was in the mood.
Their smiles always cheer me, they really make my day.
Each is truly special – in their own particular way.
I love the way their eyes shine and the funny things they say,
their minds are quick and witty, learning new things every day.
Their faces glow with wonder as life's mysteries they unfold,
challenges, dreams, inspirations - their ages make them bold;
at thirteen, ten and five years old, their lives are just beginning.
When they go home I'm tired, but in my heart I'm singing.
“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