A Bad Day Turned Worse

“Honey! Wake up!” Mom called through the door.
I got so startled, I fell to the floor.
I slept really funny and felt pretty bad,
waking up’s rough, but this morning, I’m mad.

I pick myself up, rub the sleep from my eyes,
look for an outfit that’ll somehow disguise
how grumpy I feel on the inside.
I searched for so long, I almost just cried.

This sweater is nice, all comfy and warm,
it’s my favorite thing to wear when, inside me, it’s a storm.
I put on some pants and go brush my teeth,
before checking my bed which my bag’s underneath.

My heart falls to my feet when I gather my things;
I FORGOT ABOUT THAT SPELLING QUIZ!! Now my eyes sting
with tears of fear, anger, and dread,
I so desperately wish I could go back to bed.

With my bag on my back, I stomp down the stairs.
Nervous and angry, I want to shout and declare
that today I’ll stay home, they can’t make me go,
but I’m already sure Mom and Dad will say “No…”

When I get to the table, my sister’s there grinning
with a look on her face like she’s already winning.
“Haha!” she says meanly, “I finished your favorite.
That cereal you love so much; I made sure to savor it.”

My heart drops again, but this time with rage.
I’d never do that, even when I was her age.
I slam my bag down and grab the grape juice.
I try hard to be careful, but I guess it’s no use…

“OH NO, MY SWEATER!” I cry out in shock.
The purple juice spreads, making a shape like a rock.
This day’s gone from “bad” to completely just terrible.
Now my nice cozy outfit is not even wearable.

Mom runs in the room at the sound of my shout,
I’m not even sure she knows what it’s about.
Tears stream down my face, they’re falling and flowing;
I’m wrapped in a hug without me even knowing.

“I can’t go to school,” I manage through wails.
Mom listens and nods, her love never fails.
“There’s a spelling quiz today and I completely forgot,
my sweater is sticky, just look at this spot!”

“I’m hungry and all of my cereal’s gone…”
Mom quietly interrupts, “Psst! Look at that fawn!”
She points out the window, squeezing my hand,
“Look at her out there, just enjoying the land.”

I follow her gaze, angry still, and confused.
“But, Mom!” I try, again, feeling quite bruised.
Still watching the deer, arm slung ‘round my shoulders,
she tells me to remember times like this when I’m older.

“In life there are hard things, moments good and some bad.
Part of life’s greatest struggle is learning not to be mad
when unfortunate situations come knock on your door,
it’s important to feel all of it, down to your core.”

Mom looks at me now, holds my face in her palm,
her expression is understanding, I start to feel calm.
We change my sweater to something not quite so sticky
and slowly I start to feel just slightly less icky.

She finds me some breakfast I like just slightly less
and I think about how this day started a mess.
As we drive in to school, we practice the spelling.
I feel better already; with the radio songs, I’m practically yelling!

Mom’s car pulls away, and she blows me a kiss,
always reminding me she’s someone to miss.
My day started bad and not at all pleasant,
but from now on I’m trying to simply be present.

Written in 2023