Poem: My Children

My children what a surprise

Tears in both their eyes.

My ears can’t stand the cries

“Easy? Fun?” they told lies.

.

What oh Lord can I do

I just want to be next to you!

Was it something so special about me

That I could not see?

I should have not been first pick,

fourteen days out of the month I’m sick.

Oh what a surprise!

There they go again with their cries.

May I have a break?

While I sit down to have a steak.

Can’t answer the phone

My chores aren’t done.

No unexpected visitors please,

a bathtub moment to seize.

I always need money,

too broke to be funny.

Diapers, milk, bibs,

clothes, towels, and cribs.

No smile on my face,

a crinkled eyebrow to replace.

Was in love with your gift of lovemaking,

but my freedom was for the taking.

Regrets of time well spent,

overboard I went.

Left it all behind

to be in the light to shine.

They will get old one day,

and I pray they will say,

I understand mama

I understand.

Nicholl McGuire