Ode to the Messy Mom

I have always had a love-hate relationship with cleaning my home, as we all do. But it can be especially challenging for those of us who are not naturally inclined to knowing just where everything should go. I have long let myself feel guilty for not being a tidier person, but I find the times when I am able to embrace who I am fully—tidy or not—are the ones when I can also face and rise above my personal challenges. So here’s my tribute to messy moms everywhere. May we all learn to love ourselves and find our own method in the madness of motherhood!

“Ode to the Messy Mom”

Oh messy mom!
You have the agility of a cat,
prowling across vast floors of scattered Legos,
dollhouse furniture, and singular socks.
How cunning you are—
stashing things out of sight moments before guests arrive.

You have the eye of a racehorse
focused on the finish line
with blinders to prevent the distraction of dust bunnies,
dishes, and fingerprints on the walls.

Oh messy mom,
You are as shrewd as a librarian,
with everything you own carefully cataloged away—in your mind.
Navigating knowingly through stacks of carefully placed papers,
who’s to say they don’t belong on every surface in the house?

Oh messy mom,
I know you will use that collection of premium cardboard
for some clever craft someday.
And how dare anyone suggest you force the children
to part with their coveted kid’s meal tchotchkes?

You, with Pinterest boards full of cleaning tips you’ll never try,
You’re far above the need of knick-knacks for organizing.
There is a method to your madness
—And it is for the sake of sanity itself!
You will put up your feet
rather than pick up the mop
when your kids have finally hit the hay.

“Seize the day” is your motto!
Your priorities are not color-coded closets
or alphabetized pantry goods.
No, you prefer to live life in the moment!
Why
not wash the dishes until you absolutely need them?
And I won’t tell anyone you wore that same shirt yesterday!

Oh messy mom,
You struggle needlessly with guilt
over the debris of a joyful life strewn wildly about!
There’s always time for tickling and movie nights
and last-minute picnics at the park.
Hair may not always be combed, and clothing may be disheveled,
but your children will never not know
that they are dearly loved,
and for that, oh messy mom,
I love you dearly!

Amy
Amy Lynn is a divorced mama of four kids and dog mom to two. She’s lived in San Antonio for over 20 years and has a degree in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Previously a program director at a local literary arts nonprofit, she began blogging as a creative outlet when she became a stay-at-home mom. Now a digital media consultant and writer, Amy is the founder of The Dog Guide and The Dog Guide San Antonio. Favorite Restaurant: Clementine Favorite Landmark: Hays Street Bridge Favorite San Antonio Tradition: Cascarones

4 COMMENTS

  1. i love this more than you’ll ever know. you’ll be my poet laureate when i am queen of the world. (now, stop peeping into my windows – go find someone else to use for your next piece) <3

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