Zoe-Zaa's Zip

4 year old Zoe-Zaa's struggle with the zip of her coat.

Head down, eyes focused, not even a blink,

Little fingers pulls, with a tight grip,

Lips curled down, comes a little groan,

Foot about to stamp, with a little moan,

Slowly but surely, hopeless tears fill the eyes.

Hands about to give up, and mouth opens to cry.

 

"Zoe-Zaa" says a voice suddenly.

"Do you need any help?" asks softly.

Head still down, but now nodding,

Hands not yet given up, still holding.

 

"What a naughty zip" says Maa

"You're doing well, don't give up now.

You've done this before, you can do it again.

Don't let the zip win, look, you've come this far."

"If you want, Eva-Lou can help, or me.

Give it another go, and this time you will see,

How you will teach the zip to travel up all the way,

And I am sure it will behave next time, anyway."

 

Face brightens up, no more tears and cry.

Zoe-Zaa looks at Maa, with a happy smile.

Big sister Eva-Lou approaches and says "Let me see,

You're almost there, it's easy-peasy lemon squeezy."

 

Within a second the zip is up.

Little faces are now happy, with smile.

Now that the challenge is over, and the coats are on,

There is little more to do before leaving home.

Time to put the hats, scarves and gloves on now, and to turn off the radio,

Don't forget to pick up the lunch boxes, school bags, and come on, let's go.

 

(In the car, Eva-Lou: "Maa, did you lock the door?") 

(Also shared on 24/7 Poems 24/7 Tales )