The night before Kindergarten

Twas the night before Kindergarten and all through the house

not a creature was stirring, except for one spouse.

The lunch had been packed

In the lunchbox with care

By his mom and his dad

Who were battling despair.

Their almost 5-year-old son was nestled

all snug in his bed  
as visions of his first day of school

danced in his head.

I was in the kitchen 
checking the snacks

making sure none violated 
the rules for the pack.

On Yogurt!
On Goldfish!

On Cheese Strings and more

Bananas, grapes and apples

Nutritionally...a score.

So many snacks, which ones to choose?

I must pick the ones that won’t receive any “boos”.

To the top of the fridge, to the bottom cupboard drawer,

Yogurt and banana you win the award.

What to do with their days?

His parents wondered, quite subdued.

They planned out the ways

They’d find work to do.

But they couldn’t replace

All those sounds they would miss.

Or the games they would play,

All those owies they’d kiss.

“Our babies are grown!”

Cried the one to the other.

“Not yet,”  came the thought,

No:

“There is another.”

Four more years, little one. Grow up slowly...your parents can't handle it.