Monday, Monday

Monday morning.
Get up early.
Vacation Bible School starts today.
“What?
No water?
You’ve got to be kidding!”
Flashbacks to Antigua…
‘Cept - no rainwater in cisterns here.

“Can I go back to bed?”
No?
Sigh.

Pile up the dishes.
“Climb in the car – don’t forget your toothbrushes!”
Drop kids off with their Dad.
Run to the gym for a communal shower.
Talk to the women in the stalls around.
Flashbacks to Blagoevgrad…
‘Cept - no Baba to scrub my back here.

Rush back to school,
Missed registration.
Time to take pictures and help
Do WHAT?
“Keep the paint and glue to yourselves.
I like my clothes how they are.”

Monday afternoon.
Drag ourselves home.
That was 3 hours?
Seriously?
And teachers do this every day?

Start on the dishes
All piled in the sink
Angry faucets spitting.
Water pressure’s returning.
Flashbacks to Antigua…
Water’s everywhere now.

Mama lies down.
She needs a nap.
Little girl has different ideas.
“Mama, mama! Let’s ride our bikes!”
“No way!
Too hot!
It’s one hundred and twelve outside.”

Monday night.
Kids both “in bed.”
One’s sleeping.
The other’s singing.
She’ll be in and out ‘til ten
Or eleven…or twelve.

Quiet time.
Relaxation time.
Veggin’ in front of the TV time.
Can’t stay up too late,
Up early tomorrow.
Bedtime prayers:
“Lord, let there be water on Tuesday!”