It’s the ringing
The constant ringing
They are at me
Day and night
I wanna, wanna, wanna
Can I, Can I, Can I
He hit me
She poked me
He looked at me
She kicked me.
Did I sign up for this?
Did I miss the fine print?
No matter where I go
What door I lock
They are there.
I’ve tried going out
Staying in
Headphones on
Music up loud
Ignoring them
But it’s impossible
They are as constant as the day is long.
Like minute assassins they smile;
I know what you are on about!
They said they’d grow up
When?
Every day is a hassle
If it’s not one then the other
Hanging on one arm
Haranguing my ear
Playing me against their father
The soft touch dad, giving in
Undermining me
As I pick up his refuse.
Mum, dad said we could go
After I had said no, you ask HIM?
My head is splitting
It throbs ringing with demands,
Emotional blackmail, packaged guilt
Sucks my life from me.
I reach for the bottle
My saving grace
Pissed and loving it I say.
Disgusting they chorus
Fine example of a mother.
Try standing in my shoes I say.
I climb the walls, scratching out my name
Remember me, I live here too.
Written for: http://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/photo-challenge-28-climbing-the-walls-2/
Morpethroad 
Oh wow Michael you have certainly captured the distress and that sense of losing your mind, having no space. Having a child I can say she drives me up the wall sometimes too!
Thank you Yves, it was an excellent to write to.
This was a well written heartfelt piece written from an interesting point of view. Traditional perhaps, but what I find so refreshing is that you chose to reveal the brutal honesty of how difficult it can be for women – and boldly gave it voice. Well done Michael.
“They are as constant as the day is long. / Like minute assassins they smile;”
“I climb the walls, scratching out my name / Remember me, I live here too.”
Wonderful phrases.
Thank you Pat your comment is very encouraging.
I’ve had moments where I felt this way as a single mother. However, owing to the alcoholism in my family, I was reluctant to turn to the bottle, tempting though it might have been. Fortunately, my kids seemed to have some sort of innate understanding of the challenge I had raising them by myself (my ex husband was something of a Disneyland Dad) and tended to behave–or at least keep their misbehavior quiet!
http://hickswyliedna.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-case-of-cagey-rib-cage-part-two.html
Thank you for your comment. I agree our children often surprise us considering the dysfunction they grew up in, thankfully mine have turned out ok.
Much strength in this Michael, showing the other side of how life can be struggle. How easy it is to reach for the bottle when you are being driven to madness or distraction. Well penned mate.
Thank you Jenny, sadly many succumb to it.
“Like minute assassins they smile;” – Yes. Oh, wow this spoke to me this morning!
Thanks Laura. They can seem like that some days.
Well done Michael. Having raised six kids, you are well aware of how they can drive you nuts. What I liked is that you gave it the woman’s outlook and so well too. I know lots of women who sort of lose themselves when they have kids. And with a husband that doesn’t stand beside her, she often feels like everyone has forgotten about her.
Yes so true and vice versa. Thank you Jackie I appreciate you as always.
Wow… Splendid display of emotions. The feeling of being trapped and no way to let go except for “reaching for the bottle” was really well put. And I don’t know if you intended it that way, but I was rapping it in my head and not just reading.
Wow rapping in your head, hey if that’s your response then great go for it I am flattered…enjoy your evening..
I have been in her shoes. They do grow up. You think they leave, but they return with newbies on their hips. And you scratch your head saying I didn’t sign up for a second round. But yet they come…
Thank you for your visit. Alive is alive. And while we are, we scratch out our names.
So right on that last point. Thank you for your comment.
Wow! Taken my speech away. Incredible insight into losing to the madness.
Thank you phylor, I could be cheeky and say is taking your speech away possible, but I shall refrain. Enjoy your evening.
I figured the thought would cross your mind! As to how much and how easier, it’s up to your!
Ha, you make my laugh. Have a good evening, lovely to have you commenting on my words.
Something I truly enjoy doing!