when bellies and dishwashers are full and the
dog has been let out to play in the yard.
Squeals pierce pre-nighttime calm
before stars appear and we must go indoors.
Five little bodies leaping
Up
Down
Up
Down
There are too many jumping, she thinks
"STOP! Someone has to sit down!"
No one hears.
The sound of an oversized carrot snaps
the energy-filled air.
Pine needles poke at children's bare feet
as they clamor down to seek parental assistance.
Four little faces watch in anticipation
as mother runs through the gate.
The van door slams, stifling the hysteria of the frightened girl.
The dog's ears perk up as she stares from behind the fence
wondering where her playmates have gone.
The dishwasher remains open with the dish towel
decorating its top rack... carelessly thrown aside in
the protective gesture of mother as she rushed to
fulfill her duty as caretaker and emergency driver.
Amber Kinneer
February 24, 2005
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