“I need a break,” I said to no one,
My frustration boiling out.
Another block beneath my foot,
The baby pulling my hair with a shout.
‘Mummy’s angry’, my toddler observed.
Coming over to put his hand on me.
At least learning to name feelings,
I thought, is coming along splendidly.
‘Yes I’m feeling very frustrated,
But my love the faults not yours.
Mummy’s cup is feeling empty,
And I haven’t stopped to pause.
Every day you have a nap,
When your body is feeling weary.
And mummy needs to learn from you,
And listen to her body more clearly.
‘You need a little rest,’ he nodded,
His wise eyes watching me.
‘Are you sad?’ He asked, concerned,
Expressing so much empathy.
No, not today my love I smiled.
This all makes me very happy.
It’s just some days my body feels tired,
And I haven’t had enough time for me.
Sometimes I like to be alone,
So I have more energy.
I read, swim, go for a run,
Listen to music or just be.
But lately I’ve forgotten to stop.
And things are starting to feel too full.
I’m sorry that I raised my voice,
I let my frustration overrule.
Even when we’re all grown up,
It can be hard to express how we feel.
But it’s important to try to find the words,
To make it lighter and help us heal.
So today I’m feeling frustrated,
And it’s not a dirty word.
Our anger, frustration and hard feelings,
Are good to express to make sure we are heard.
Yes these feelings and these words,
We should follow where they lead.
And find healthy ways to express them,
So they can show us clearly what we need.
