working from home

They run past me, 

giggling, chasing one another

as I sit 

hunched over my laptop 

at the dining table

babbling brooks in my 'office'

reminding me of play, ice-cream and simple joys

I cannot squeeze from excel spreadsheets.

I let the laptop alone,

follow the laughter into the bedroom. 

They stop for a moment..., anxious, have they disturbed me at work?

I jump on them saying, "Time for a hug!"

and they are all over me,

playful puppies.

10 minutes later, 

body pummeled 

but spirits high, 

I return to work.

This could work.

‐----

Working From Home

They run past me, 

giggling, chasing one another

as I sit hunched over my laptop 

at the dining table,

babbling brooks in my 'office'.

I close the laptop,

follow the laughter into the bedroom. 

They stop, anxious, 

have they disturbed me at work?

I jump on them. 

"Time for a hug!"

and they are all over me,

playful puppies.

10 minutes later, 

body pummeled 

but spirits high, 

I return to work.

This could work.

A few minutes later 

the puppies turn savage.

Snarls, growls, yelps, whines 

emerge from the room

I sigh back in, 

to broker peace 

wipe brimming eyes

kiss damp cheeks,

then return to work 

again.

Maybe not.