The muffin crumbs cleaned
the dishes dried
the hair combed
and belts buckled,
we are ready to start the day.

We have classes in the morning
Recess in the afternoon
Music afterwards
and then some Fencing or Chess,
depending.
That gets us just past six
which is when things lighten up.

There is dinner
and homework
and dishes (again!)
and TV
or computer time
if we’re real good.

Then some tidying
and hair/teeth brushing
a couple of songs
and Story Time.
Then eyes closed.
Then mind closed.
Then dreams open
then snap shut.

And then:
repeat.