every 7 years

When Haley was born 14 years ago
She wasn't the sweetheart she is today
She woke up bawling every hour on the hour
Just when I had just nodded off to sweet slumber.

In my zombie, sleep-deprived state all that month,
I vowed never again will I be withchild.

Then 7 years later

The memory of hourly feedings became a blur

Even my recollection of labor pain

Surprisingly did not remain.

So out came Riley
And there I was again
Doing hourly feedings

Through the pain of my C-section.

Yet again that whole month,

I vowed never to be withchild again.

Then 7 years later

I felt it was time

For the kids to own a puppy

and learn some responsibility.

And so I found myself that night

Waking up to the howling

Of our poor little puppy,

Her mommy's cuddle she was craving

Yet again I lose sleep and wonder

What the heck is it with 7 years that my life lessons are torn asunder?!

Inspired by Sonya Sones' amusing free verse in The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus. For my previous attempts at free verse, click here and here.

Photos from blondiensc and here.