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My Youngest Teacher

In the morning I was impatient as you dawdled
and I told you to stop being so slow. 
You just smiled sheepishly and said,
"Bye Mommy, I have to go!"
In the afternoon I spent most of my day on the phone
while you sang aloud and put your toys in a jovial row.
I motioned irritably for you to be quiet,
"Get your homework done right now!"
I rattled off like a sergeant. 
"Okay Mom", you said seeming to understand 
and sat straight at your desk with pencil in hand. 
After that it was quiet in your room. 
In the evening you approached me hesitantly and asked,
"Will you read me a story tonight?"
"Not tonight. Your room is still a mess,
how many times must I remind you?" I said in a muffle.
With your head down you wandered away from me,
but kept your dance-like shuffle. 
Before long you were back and peered around the wall of stone.
"Now what do you want?" I asked in an agitated tone.
Without a word you threw your arms around my neck,
kissed my cheek, then "goodnight Mommy, I love you"
was all you said and hurried off to bed. 
I felt a wave of remorse come over me. 
At what point did I lose the rhythm of the day
and at what cost? I couldn't say. 
You had done nothing to provoke my mood.
You were just being a child, busy
with the tasks of growing and learning.
I got lost in an adult world with responsibilities, 
burning demands, and flip flopped priorities with 
no energy left to give.
You became my teacher even after an arduous day
of tip toeing around my moods. 
We have one life to live and I yearn to start the day again. 
Tomorrow, I will treat myself with as much understanding 
as you have shown me today. I will remind myself that you
are my baby and I will enjoy being your Mom in every way. 
Your resilient spirit has touched me so I come to you,
to thank you my child, my teacher, my dearest friend,
for the gift of your love that will never end.

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