We left the children home alone
For the first time tonight
Reveling in our newfound freedom
We backed out of the driveway
Tires screeching on pavement
In our haste to enjoy ourselves
Gazing across the booth at one another
In an intimate and cozy restaurant
-Low lights shining in our eyes-
We toast to our night on the town
With no babysitter to pay
I smile shyly at you
Poke your foot with my toe
Thinking about our earlier days
As a couple madly in love
The world our oyster
Then
I called home six times
Bit my nails
Drummed my fingers
Imagined house fires
Worry-warted over all the possible
Reasons why the children would fight
After an hour or so
Not much more not much less
We arrive home to discover
That the children had built a nest
Upon the living room floor
They appeared happy and content
Claiming camaraderie and good will
A taste of freedom once again thrills
Swoops down from high above
And scoops me up with sharp talons
I soar across
The star-kissed night sky
Grinning ear to ear
In wonder and bliss
When my feet touch earth once more
I find that I’m not as happy
As I thought I was
Indeed
It’s a sense of melancholy that I feel
A sadness
That could only be attributed to
The fact that the children could be
Left home alone at all
©2014 Jill Baker
Snapshots 
I was already babysitting at my oldest son’s age, yet it is hard to imagine him being “responsible” for his younger brother. To be honest, I put a bunch of friends and neighbors “on alert” should an emergency arise. It’s good to have such great people in our lives and I’m thankful that they put up with my shenanigans. While our excursion was successful, I don’t think we’ll be doing it again anytime soon.