a post-Christmas poem

Twas the day after Christmas

and all through the house

every creature was weary

even the mouse.

The stockings were draped

all over the chairs

and empty of gifts

that used to be there.

The children weren't nestled

all snug in their beds.

The cookies and sugar

kept them awake instead.

And FarmBoy in Xbox shorts

and I in my nightgown

Just desperately wanted to

relax and sit down.

The house was filled up

with presents and toys,

And wrapping paper

was strewn by those good girls and boys.

I looked at the mess

and wanted to grumble,

but I set my little timer

and started to mumble.

I took a deep breath
in spite of myself
and started picking up
like a good little elf.

Fifteen minutes here

and five minutes there

I'd have the house clean

with time left to spare.

With a quick little shout

I worked hard with glee,

and started with the presents

stacked under the tree.

It was coming together,

the house, so it seemed.

So I sat myself down,

looked around and just beamed.

There's hope for this mess

and for the new year

a good lesson was learned

cleaning's not so bad when done with good cheer.

(now if only I could figure out how to tie this into my laundry "issues.")