Flowers for Anna
Welcome small baby,
The house is a mess,
Unfinished, imperfect -
We’ve done you the best.
We’ve planted new flowers
As treats for your eyes,
They’ll grow strong and brilliant
Like you, our sweet child,
They’ll brave face the sunshine,
Dance on the wind,
And someday they’ll leave us
For some lovely whim.
But after the seasons,
All on their own,
They’ll come back to greet us,
And bless our small home,
They’ll spring up the driveway,
We’ll fling out our arms…
Yes welcome, small baby,
Spring time of
our hearts.
“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