A Christmas Morning Poem

'Twas the morning of Christmas, and all through the house

The only creatures stirring were the cats, dogs and myself;

The stockings were hung, filled to the brim there was no doubt

Just waiting to be dug into and candy pour'd out.

The kids were all teenagers, snuggled and sleeping in,

I never realized how much I'd miss their excited morning grins.

Only me in my hoodie, Kacy still sleeping in bed

My hair piled up in a messy pony-tail upon my head

I saw in front of the computer composing this rhyme

With the cat, Nibbler, giving any indication of time. 

As the sun began to rise, up in the east

I began to contemplate this holiday beast.

The year's almost over and it's been a hell of a one,

what I'd really like to do is just concentrate on having fun. 

Unfortunately, anxiety enjoys rearing its ugly head,

and I'm fairly sure I just heard Nibbler scrommiting (hopefully not in one of the kids' bed).

The dog, Kara, wakes up and growls at who knows what, 

I silently utter "Seriously dog, what the fuck?"

I really should open the door and let them out,

but honestly, I'm feeling a bit like a lazy lout. 

This day will be exhausting, no matter what I say or do,

because my mental health is in the toilet - I kind of feel like poo. 

But I'll do my very best and if not put on the Christmas Mask

Being Merry and Bright - that can be quite the task. 

"Hush Kara, hush Fiona!" I whisper-shout at the dogs.

Knowing full well it won't cause them to be calm. 

I sigh and I groan as I get up to let them out, 

Not gonna lie, this made me want to pout. 

I'll have to find shoes before I do so,

because chasing through the field for Fiona I'll have to go. 

My Dad will come over as soon as the lights are up, 

there is honestly not enough caffeine for that in my cup. 

That's perfectly okay and it's why he lives next door,

as long as I don't (and can't) hear him snore.

So, with Fiona whining, ready to run

I let both dogs out and cringe at the rising sun. 

I'd love to go back to bed and sleep

But instead, I'll take the dogs out and attempt to creep. 

Quietly, quietly through the house, 

The dogs making it outside without a scene, I have doubts. 

With a finger to my lips, I try to get them to settle down

I don't think either of them understand my frown. 

It's Christmas morning and the small one is snoring,

the dogs not to bark I am silently imploring.

Less than a week before this year is done,

not gonna lie it's been less than fun.

But today is Christmas and we'll try to enjoy

the unwrapping of gifts and giving of toys.