Work Before Play

This is my busiest time of the school year.  

The "wheels on the bus" are carrying me straight downhill 

at breakneck speed.

There is always something for which to prepare, 

to begin or to finish.   

Work comes home.

The studio gathers a fine layer of

paper clippings and glitter.

Crayons and pencils become dull, 

paint pots are emptied, 

and erasers disappear into a rubbery dust.  

Favorite things must be put aside.

                                                                                                     Sigh!

You know where I am going with this don't you?

An unexpected cold rain shower is alway the perfect excuse 

for spending the afternoon with

a good read,

but alas, there is just so much to do.

Having a "to do" list as long as my arm 

may temporarily stop me from opening the covers of a book, 

yet it hasn't slowed me down in putting together 

my summer "to read" or "to consider to read" list. 

It certainly hasn't stopped my car from parking in front of a local bookstore

(it is on the way home from....somewhere).

It only takes a few minutes to run in and find a few things

in preparation for my summer.

 I'll keep a smile and be patient,

and mind what I tell my children,

"work before play".

My hands are trembling.

Oh, what do you think?

Will I be successful?

I hear them calling my name...

Oh, maybe just a taste.

I'll be playing, I mean working in the garden today.

Are you planning to play this weekend?

Whatever you choose, may you stay safe and find peace.