We are a special tribe.
We didn’t sleep last night.
You will see us in trains and buses.
Hair uncombed. Dishevelled.
Drooping eyelids. Frozen faces.
Newspaper in hand but not a word read.
Asleep. Mouths open. Snoring.
Dreaming of another week of paternity leave.
What else?
Expected back in the office though we’re awake every night.
Rocking from side to side.
Feeding formula. Changing nappies.
Zombie Dads.
Man Friday to all the Hero Mums.
We sit in office meetings barely listening.
Surviving on Red Bull.
Hourly trips to the coffee machine.
No milk. Only black. As bitter as possible.
Whatever works.
Drudging along till the night when Hero Mum needs a break.
Taking charge of the Little Imp.
Swaying. She will cry.
She will poop.
Long hours shall pass before her eyelids droop.
She enters a trance. Oh, there’s a smile!
Our zombie hearts fill to the brim.
It all seems worth the while.
Spare a thought too for families not as lucky…
