It Started As a Joke

Days often filled with joy and smiles and laughter Poor single mother No way her two young daughters Would have the miserable childhood that had been hers This is one story I’ll never forget Big points for her creativity Heading down the highway in their old jalopy Complaints were high about the summer heat Sweet playful mother proposed a game Everyone roll up the windows Sing along to the blaring radio Pretend the A/C is freezing cold Bob your head to the beat And to the cars passing by Show your widest smile Looking fresh and debonair And say “look, we have A/C too” Lungs ablazing Would only last so long Till the windows got rolled down For desperate gasps of air As the breeze cooled down their heated cheeks Then all would burst into a roaring laughter Of course what started as a joke Became their fondest memory AP: 2nd place 2020 Submitted to contest I STARTED A JOKE sponsored by MARIA WILLIAMS - November 21, 2017