The Rhyming Gene

While cleaning a closet, I came across An envelope which held Report cards from first grade on up, The proof that I’d excelled. Yet stuck between the cards I found A little penciled note In writing that I recognized And this is what she wrote: “Your closet needs cleaning, I’m sure you can tell So talk on the phone less time to your Ell.* Throw out the old things, cards, letters, shoes, too. I’m sure there are some things you’ll keep – a few. The rest of your room is as neat as a pin. Clean out your closet – then the world can look in.” This message from my mom, a poem Reminded me today That rhyming surely came to me Within my DNA. *Elliot, my high school boyfriend