Night Poem

There is so little

of myself left

 

Each day

is time to feed

a fall

a squabble

ten thousand requests

 

My mind and heart go

from one to another

darting like

a dragonfly

never resting

 

Perhaps

a moment of quiet

feed feed feed

then

'mama

can I have something to eat?'

 

Too often

I snap

No! Stop it! Calm down!

hilarious really

shouting

"calm down"

 

Is it just part

of the intensity

the love and exhaustion

of new beings

of small children

 

I finish the day

apologising

guilt ridden

have I done enough?

what can I do better?

 

While their peaceful faces

like angels

sleep.

 

Rachael Dunsmore-Chambers