POETRY

When He Wakes Up

Before and after

Photo by Federico Respini on Unsplash

Cats meow. Lights switch. Bowls clatter.

Coffee brews. Bones pop. Mind chatters.

Cup fills. Blanket spreads. Book opens.

A door rattles. Then shuts.

Little feet shuffle. Then pause.

They creep

down

down

down.

A step creaks. He stops.

He scratches

up

down

up

his tummy.

He whispers “MOMMY.”

A Discovery of Emotions Hidden Under an Entertainment Center

Adrienne Parkhurst is a Top Writer in Parenting. She’s passionate about personal and professional leadership. She is married with two active and hilarious boys. She also writes about lessons learned from managing teams for 20+ years. If you liked this article, join her newsletter, Listen. Learn. Lead., for more stories, leadership tips, and reading recommendations.