T’was The Night Before School

T’was the night before school

And all through the city,

The mothers rejoiced

Some even felt giddy.

The backpacks were packed

By the door with care,

In the hopes that the children

Would soon be out of their hair.

The children were (finally!) nestled

All snug in their beds,

After whining and crying

And shaking their heads.

Then the mommies* had wine

The daddies* had beers,

And they all clinked their drinks*

And said a big “Cheers!”

*Runaway Mama Disclaimer: Daddies can drink wine and mommies can drink beer.  They can also drink water, coffee, tea, orange juice, apple juice, lemonade, and/or vodka.  Also, mommies and mommies or daddies and daddies can clink drinks and say, “Cheers!”   Aunts, uncles, grandparents, foster parents, friends, neighbors, pets, and anyone else holding the glue together in the family village can partake in this celebratory ritual as well.  In addition, Single Daddies and Single Mamas can hold a glass of wine in one hand and a beer in the other hand and clink his or her own drinks.  What I’m trying to say is that any and all human beings who have committed to caring for children have the right to drink and clink and be merry on the night before the first day of school.  Cheers!