Subtle differences line the path, the delta between a peaceful end-of-night, or chaotic crescendo,

A little more screen a little more lax, slipping beyond the pale,

A little less screen, maybe none, and just my sense, more calm, more chill.

And then there’re dishes, kitchen sink full, day and a half’s worth,

Do them tonight or early tomorrow?

Tonight it is, and everything slows a bit more, and calm,

The zazen of dishes — and parenting — in a nutshell.