Putting Four to Bed

After crocodile tears from one not having enough playtime outside,

and protests about getting into the tub from another,

and still another spilling a bowl of cereal on his lap -

down the side of the stool and all over the floor -

running with milky feet down the hall to change . . .

After prayers and asking for time to color in bed
from a girl who needs time to settle

and getting the lighting for the night just right . . .

It's a heavenly wonder,

this time of quiet contentment 

with three down and one to go.
I think I'll just hang on.
Take your time, baby.
Take your time.