Day 231: 26 June 2026

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 Poem -- The Hardest Part of the Day


The hardest part of the day
Starts after dinner
When I need to do the dishes
And put things away.

It’s 50/50 how this next part plays out
Sometimes you’re fine
As you sit in your walker or high chair
Other times you screech loud.

Next comes time to tidy your toys.
This is alright.
You laugh.
And make happy noise.

Next comes your bath.
This is your favorite!
You play with your duck
And make some big splashes.

Then comes the next hard part:
Mummy has to get ready, too.
Brush her hair, put on jammies…
And you cry, breaking your heart.

It ends — what feels like long —
after you’ve had your bath,
brushed your teeth, had your last bottle, maybe I’ve sung you a song.

And then you are sleeping
Cosily in my arms.
I sigh in contentment.
My heart full of love is beating.

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