go the duck to sleep

I cannot be the only mom
Who counts the seconds to bedtime
And using what’s left inside the tank
To face that evening mountain climb

Corralling children into bed
Is similar to herding cats
One is running down the stairs
While another tries on hats

”I want water, mom. I’m thirsty”
”Need to fill up my bottle too”
”Have to put this in my backpack”
”And find my stuffy kangaroo”

Their PJs may not feel right
They're too itchy, short, or long
Mom might even give in too
Just to move the damn night along

Children don't love books as much
As when they know the end is near
Another one? Please! Please! Please!
If it's a no, then they’re in tears

Fake tears that is, kids are good!
Could win Academy Awards
Excuse after lame excuse
Like, “I need to get my sword!”

PLEASE JUST GO THE DUCK TO SLEEP!
Is what you might hear mama say
I WANT A SECOND TO MYSELF!
She pleads in total disarray

After mom blows, it seems as though
The kids finally get the drift
But not before they’ve made her
Withstand that routine bedtime bliss

Then, just as mama settles
Into her phone, book, or a show
From another room, she hears
The faint sound of wee tip-toes

So mom waits and holds her breath
Filled with defeat — and even rage
But as the door creeps open
Big, weary eyes flash her a gaze

Immediately mom caves
It's those sweet eyes she knows so well
She gets up, escorts them
Back into bed without a yell

Maybe it's a misconception
That kids are manipulating us
Perhaps they are just anxious
To be apart from those they trust

All day they’re nearby folks
But at night, say bye to mom and dad
I wonder then, if leaving us
Is enough to make kids sad?