After-School Carpool

I live close enough to an elementary school to hear the crossing guard's whistle. This afternoon while watering the yard, I watched moms picking up their kids.

After-School Carpool
13 Sept 2013

Time to pick up the kids from school.
Buckle the baby and four-year old in their car seats
Remind them, "Safety's the rule."
Hug them and make them happy with candy treats.
Look both ways before pulling out,
Watch carefully while driving down the streets.
After the bell rings, the kids come ambling out,
Most are looking for Mommy, but some act like athletes.
"What did you learn at school today?"
"I don't really remember, but at lunch Johnny
Threw  up and went to sick bay.
He's sick a lot, that's why he's so scrawny."
Make sure everybody's seat belt is on
Before heading back they way you came.
Never boring, chances are odds on
You're looking for five minutes to claim.
Raising children is a large responsibility,
Keeping you constantly watching and busy,
Testing your patience and reliability.
It's enough to put men in a tizzy.
Because women are good at multi-tasking
They can make it look easy and such,
And do it all without asking
For help. Thank you very much.

All Cheers My Dears

All Cheers My Dears
20 April 2012

Today I'm celebrating me.
In school I had low self-esteem.
I survived that vile misery.
In my career, the boss on my team
Only added to my tension.
Now I'm cheering for hanging in
And lasting to get a pension.
I'm acknowledging all that's been
Accomplished by honoring me.
Today I'm rejoicing at my wholest
With a self-image that really
Lets me enjoy life to its fullest.

Wishin' on a MIssion

Today I rhymed more of my great-grandfather Jesse N. Smith's journal.

Uncle John remarked that himself and his

Brothers had always desired that a son

Of the family should be an educated whiz.

For that purpose they sent their one

Youngest brother Stephen to be educated.

However, he died in early manhood.

He wished me to remain and be matriculated

In school here. I greatly desired, if I could,

To get an education, however, I preferred 

To go upon the mission. When I told him 

About my resolution, we each were conferred

A Patriarchal blessing. According to my whim

We proceeded on our journey southward 

With one horse team, one ox team an’ 

A few cows. At Payson which, we were assured, 

Was then the nearest settlement to Parowan.