This is a love note...

This is a love note…

to the mommy who walked downtown

in February to the Five & Ten,

three contentious children in tow,

& back again

with a goldfish under her coat;

to the mommy who made playdough

& gave us chores,

who turned off the TV

& made us play outdoors;

to the mommy who baked

brownie ice cream cake & oatmeal bread

& knew just how tightly I needed

to be tucked into bed;

who taught me pretty is as pretty does;

for beauty is skin deep

& who always had room in her bed

for a grandchild to sleep.

With love & gratitude in equal measure,

I sign myself sincerely to this letter

to the mommy who took everything

I could have been & made me better.