Motherhood poetry, Crossing the Threshold Again

with William Shakespeare’s “Come, Night” from Romeo and Juliet

Over at Poetry for Life we are crossing the threshold again, in the dark, because that’s how we roll. B

oth of my children are night owls, and they taught me to love the shady side of the day (although I prefer to experience it in the wee hours of the morning).

Here’s a poem I wrote about a good birthday eve.

Birthday Eve

Only 70 days ‘til my birthday eve
Yes, I’ve counted it – 70 days.
That’s only two turns of the calendar
Til my parents erupt in praise.

Only 70 days til I get my first card
From my grandma in Timbuktu
She always sends money and writes,
“Dear Honey, I wish I could be with you.”

Only 70 days til I open my gifts
Arranged in a birthday tree.
Every aunt, every uncle, even Great Grandpa Norman
Will bring a present for me.

Only 70 days til my party starts
With cake and candles and song
Oh my friends will sing, and I will be Queen –
The Birthday Queen – all day long

After 70 days, my birthday will pass
And I, avoiding sleep,
Will count the days on my calendar
Til my next birthday eve.

– Megan Willome

“Megan Willome has captured the essence of crow in this delightful children’s collection. Not only do the poems introduce the reader to the unusual habits and nature of this bird, but also different forms of poetry as well.”

—Michelle Ortega, poet and children’s speech pathologist