My Homemade Circus Act

So begins the opening performance of the marvelous Marvel Hill Circus
-the new "school" year-

where juggling is not only the Opening act,

nor glorified to status of Main act,

but is in fact,

the only act.

Unfortunately for the audience, (and also the rest of the Big Top crew)
I don't know how to juggle.

I am probably much better suited to the title of

Human Cannonball
but was not offered a say in the matter.

As some people are fond of saying
what is...is.
So rather than colored balls, sharp knives, or flaming batons
I juggle:

Laundry
diaper changes
grocery lists
chore charts
hugs.


School schedules
dinner menus
nursing baby
instruction giving
questions that require thoughtful answers.


Saying it once
repeating myself
follow-through
repeating myself
repeating myself.


Making lunches
picking up pieces
checking work
feeding the baby
listening



Reading out loud
singing inside my head
finding stuff
losing my mind.
laughing!


Looking at treasure
discovering
wondering
Googling
 learning together.

Coffee refills
ordering books
buying presents
making calls
guests.


Dental appointments
Orthodontists 
babysitters
paying bills
Aunties that save the day.


Writing assignments
math books
copywork
encouragement
naps.

Cleaning up
wiping down
doing it over
forgiving
being forgiven.


Making time lines
making art
making messes
making memories
smiles.


etc.
etc.etc.etc.
etc.
etc.etc.
because the list goes on.


I'm pretty sure flaming swords would be easier.


However, the task, or calling, or commission - whatever you call it
the job is mine.
And whatever gets dropped I will pick up
or let it go.
Or replace it.

But I will learn to juggle.

For the show...
 must.
 go.
 on.