From the mouths of moms...

For any who (like me) didn't study literature and poetry beyond high school... you may enjoy the following poem written in Sapphics (named for Sappho). The first three lines of the verse has 11 syllables; the fourth line has only 5 syllables. I learned something while I laughed...

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Terra Firma

Yes, you're right. I'm sure Armageddon's coming:

wars, tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, locusts,

killer flus, et cetera. Yes, I'm awed by

all the destruction.

I concede your point that the world might end, and

all your puny labors will be as nothing.

Still, you can't go out with your friends until you've

folded the laundry.

by Julie Stoner

California home schooling mother

My children have not yet come up with such wonderfully aware reasons why they shouldn't have to do their chores... perhaps in years to come.

HT First Things, May 2006