I was lamenting to a friend online about my daughter’s nighttime escapades and how nothing seems to work to get her calmed down enough to drop into bed, even with the medications she takes to slow her down.
Peggy and I have been friends for years, ever since we met at an ADDA conference. Every year, we and a mutual friend would meet up in various cities throughout the country to learn about ADD and enjoy each other’s company.
When she heard about my nightly fiasco with my daughter, she described how she, too has a difficult time settling down at night. She sent me this poem today, which I’d like to share with you.
Up and down the Stairs
By Peggy Clover
(Inspired by Mackenzie and me)
Up and down the stairs I run
In and out the doors
Looking for the things I lost
Trying to do my chores.
Not all is lost
Just out of place
But no matter
I am still a disgrace.
If only I could remember
To put things where they belong
That should be easy
Am I so wrong?
But first I have to find stuff
To give it its proper position
But as I wander thru the rooms
I forget I had a mission.
Sometimes I plop down
And just sit and play
Or doodle or make a mess
And have a happy day.
Then up I jump again
Jack in the Box that’s me
On a mission once again
To see what I might see.
I have no one to prod me on
Or say how things should be
Or tell me that I should grow up
Because now I am 63.
Up and down the stairs I run
In and out the doors
Looking for the things I lost
Trying to do my chores.
