Patience, Lost and Found

I wrote this for a poetry contest, but I'm not going to submit it because I think it’s geared more for parents than for children.  I've gotten some great feeback on 12X12 that helped me improve it, and I may still totally rework it into a picture book from the child's POV. But none of the readers actually believe Maddie Grace asked me if my patience had gone down the drain during bath time. But she did. And the other night she called down the drain to try to find them.

Patience, Lost and Found

A bedtime poem for a mother and daughter

By Elizabeth LaGrange Muster

Come on, Maddie Grace,

get out of the tub.

Just five minutes, please.

My mermaid’s swimming.

No, little girl, your

fingers are wrinkly.

Don’t lose your patience.  

Is it down the drain?

You’re a silly girl,

and you’re oh so smart.

Ouch! Don’t comb my hair.

No! Not the dryer!  

Time to brush your teeth

Yes, morning and night.

Yucky! Blue toothpaste.

Can I spit in the sink?

Come in the bedroom,

put on your jammies.

Not the unicorns,

I want Paw Patrol.

Let’s lie down now and

sing “Little Red Bird.”

I’m not sleepy yet.

Let’s look for Patience.

It must be hidden

among piles of toys.

Let’s try the kitchen

And eat Scooby snacks.

Get in the covers.

Let’s say our prayers.

I’m thirsty again.

How about some juice?

No.  Your teeth are clean.

You’ll have to potty.

I want my iPad.

Let’s watch videos.

Let’s snuggle in tight

and tell a story.

The one about pigs

and the scary wolf?

That’s your favorite.  

Once upon a time...

Tell me another one.

How about Goldilocks?

I’m tired, baby.  

Here’s a kiss goodnight.

I love you lots, Momma.

Did you find your patience?

I’ve found it right now

with you in my arms.