Domestic Madness

The pot simmering on the stove
really should be boiling, but
baby needs changing, and
He-who-is-charged-
with-watching-the-children
is asleep in his chair…

Where to lay the infant –
her soiled and sodden diaper
threatening its own release –
when her siblings
have dragged all the bedding –
fort-intended, now abandoned
under foot?

Turkey is in the oven
legs trussed, flesh
buttered and salted…
Baby’s skin is red
her squirming legs
noncompliant

Dog offers his presence
curious nose intervening…
I leave the wriggling bundle
to dispose of offending nappy –
images of dog mouthing contents
beyond current capacity

Children’s giggles signal
misadventure, as bath water
spills into the room,
husband stirring,
“Smells good!” says he
pushing buttons
on the TV remote

Ankle deep in water
contents of pot now burning,
awareness dawns –
the forgotten baby
is now missing…
madness achieved.

(Another dream inspired nonsensical poem. Image my own)



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VJ

Permission to write, paint, and imagine are the gifts I gave myself when chronic illness hit - a fair exchange: being for doing. Relevance is an attitude. Humour essential.

32 thoughts on “Domestic Madness”

  4. Wow, I daresay every mother has lived this experience at least once. If there is one out there that hasn’t, just wanna say to you, “Congratulations, you’re leading a dream life!” Great poem, VJ, and I enjoyed hearing you read it. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

      2. That’s a good thing. I had three in just under five years and a husband, at the time, who did not participate. Must still be having nightmares about it, lol.

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  12. What chaos! Suffered almost this when my children were too young, my in-laws too old, Hubby running to the office in the morning…Nice hearing you reading the poem.

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