Night terrors
Have you ever been hit in the face?
Or bitten or spat on or kicked?
Have you ever been told
that you’re ugly and old?
Have you pursed for a kiss
And been licked?
Have you ever been peed on in bed?
Or pushed till you fell on the floor?
Have you ever been bruised,
battered, bashed and abused
till you just couldn’t take anymore?
Do you cry in the night while he’s sleeping?
Exhausted, alone and afraid
Do you swear that you will
never give up the pill
as you stare at the monster you’ve made?
“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