T’was the night before my child became a teen,
And all through the house, not a creature was sleeping, not even a screen.
The gadgets were charged, the excitement was high,
In hopes that the teen years would soon come by.
The pre-teen was nestled all snug in their bed,
While dreams of social media danced in their head.
And I in my PJs, with a cup of hot tea,
Settled in for a moment of quiet, just me.
When out in the hallway, there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
Away to the door, I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of midday to objects below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a text from my teen, saying, “Can I have a friend over here?”
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be Uber Nick.
More rapid than eagles, his cadillac came,
And he whistled and shouted, social media by name.
“Now, Snapchat! Now, TikTok! Now, Instagram and Fortnite!
On, Netflix! On, YouTube! On, Spotify and text all night!
To the top of the scroll! To the top of the wall!
Now scroll away! Scroll away! Scroll away all!”
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the screen,
The tapping and scrolling of each little meme.
As I drew in my hand and was turning around,
Down the hall, the teens came with a bound.
Dressed all in tech, from their heads to their feet,
And their gadgets were glowing, oh, what a treat!
A bundle of devices they had flung on their backs,
And they looked like techies just opening their packs.
Their eyes – how they twinkled! Their dimples, how merry!
Their cheeks were like roses, their noses quite berry!
Their droll little mouths were drawn up in smiles,
As they chatted and Snapped in their own tech-style.
They were tech-savvy and cool, a right lively young crew,
And I laughed when I saw them, their energy so true.
A wink of their eyes and a nod of their heads,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
They spoke not a word, but went straight to their fun,
And filled all the rooms, making memories for everyone.
And laying their gadgets aside for a pose,
They smiled for a selfie, then up the stairs they rose!
They sprang to their rooms, to their devices gave a nod,
And away they all strolled, like teens being awed.
But I heard them exclaim, as they texted out of sight,
“Happy parenting to all, and to all a good night!”
As you celebrate this holiday season, be thankful for the memories and the joys of parenting.. And to all a good night!