So You Think I Should Slow Down

By Deena Weinberg

"Of course you're sick again,"

Said the stethoscoped woman across the desk,

"You're back for the fourth time this month

I tell you – it's all 'cuz of stress!"

"All the headaches and the wheezing

The sore throat and the sneezing

these are tell-tale signs, my friend

you've overdone it once again

"if you don't do something about it soon,"

She waved a gnarled finger at my face,

"things will just keep on getting worse,

Unless you learn to slow your pace!"

I sat there and wiped another burning eye

And blew my nose and gave a sigh,

And wondered through the haze of pain

What could I say, how can I explain –

"stress", she says? Too much to do?

Why I'd be glad to cut a few

Maybe she could tell me, this brilliant doc

Which of my tasks I could simply drop?

In our healthiest days, we have appointments non-stop

We never know what we'll miss if we let even one drop

There are things that must be checked every now and then

And once we're finally done – it's time to start them all again

My son needs to learn – did you know that's a fight

We need to battle in court for this very basic right

Do you say I skip that part, and let him rot in regular ed?

Or do you have any other brilliant suggestions instead?

There are therapies to try and milestones to climb

They're always all talking about this 'window of time'

We need hippotherapy for his thighs and swimming for his heart

We need music for his learning, and did I mention art

These are not just things for fun – they are crucial for his growth

And if it's one or the other - we're usually told to do both

My son is growing quickly – there's still so much to do

Yes I know that it's impossible – in fact, I think so too

In the meantime, don't forget, the system isn't exactly set

To make life with them smooth-sailing – did you know, we are a threat

We need to keep explaining – we aren't out to get your dough

Just our rightful share of help, the bare minimum you owe 

There is red tape to be cut through, and battles with the boards of ed

There are clerks to try and talk to, then walls to bang your head

There are prescriptions to be dug, just when the insurance finally approves their part

Only to hear they're now expired  - and start the whole thing again from start

Then there are those long afternoons to be survived, and tolerance levels put to test

As you try to care for your son, and yet remember all the rest

There are the other children who are waiting for you to finally hear about their day

They may not have 'special' needs, but they must also have their say

There are functions to be attended, as your heart beats at a nasty race

Will he be ok this one time, or will he once again be disgraced

There are fights on so many fronts, so much to do in such short time

So you say I should take it easy, slow down this life of mine??