Mom, Interrupted

Mom, Interrupted When I sit down to write a song Or read a book you come along, And ask for just a little help With numbers, letters or the like And being kind, and some say wise For a person of my years and size I set down my hopes and dreams And tend to yours - For you are just a little tyke While my creations come and go (You are the best of them you know) Like children running to and fro I chase down words and thoughts that stray. But just as things begin to click There you are, feeling sick And need to gently lie Upon my lap and gently cry. And so I stay- Until you wander on your way. Then somehow it’s half past noon! Dinner plans are needed soon So while my words pull at my sleeve The half-writ page I have to leave. I quickly clear the breakfast mess Sort the dishes and the rest: Prep some chicken to sauté, Pre-cut carrots save the day – Return with ease, Fingers back down on the keys What was that thought, so pure of heart That took me to a world apart? I close my eyes to think it through Instead, see all I have to do Search my mind Try to ignore - A package coming to the door I hear the school bus on our street A backpack dragging at his feet Your brother tells me of his day Filled with laughter and defeat And tragic middle school deceit The dog brings her shredded toy Pushes it against my knees Snacks and dinner A lost shoe Science homework Glitter glue By now I’ve quite forgotten My essayist’s endeavor By this hour I’m too tired To remember why I was inspired.