peaceful parenting: Momma's Night Before Christmas

Mother's Love painting by Kolongi. Art work available here.

Twas' the night before Christmas,
when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring -
and she was cleaning the commode.

The children were finally sleeping,
all snug in their beds,
While visions of presents,
flipped through their heads.

Daddy was snoring in front of the TV,
With a half-constructed bicycle up on his knee.
So only Momma heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
Which made her sigh, "NOW what's the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered in ashes, which fell with a shrug.
"Oh great..." muttered Mom, now cleaning the rug.

"Ho-Ho-Ho!!" bellowed Santa, "I'm glad you're awake.
Your gift was especially hard to make."
"Thank you Santa, but all I want's time alone."
"Exactly!!" he chuckled, "And I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" Mom asked, "What good is that?
Run along now, Santa. I've no time for a chat."
But it was Momma's twin!
Same hair, same eyes - same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, and get some good rest."
"Fantastic!!" Mom cheered. "My dream come true!
I'll read. I'll write. I'll sleep a whole night through!"

From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
"Momma?! I need you. I'm scared and I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," Mom smiled, "She knows her part."

The clone changed the small one, and hummed a sweet tune,
As she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best momma ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you, too."

Mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal.
That's my child's love that she's trying to steal."
Smiling wisely Santa said, "To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed 'round here."

Mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
"Thank you, dear Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget it won't be very long,
When they'll be too old, for my sweet mothering song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
And with the clone clung close to his side,
Santa said, "Goodnight. Merry Christmas, Momma! You'll be alright."

~Original Author ("The Night Before Christmas for Moms") Unknown;
Revised Poem (2009) by Danelle Day