by Martin FitzPatrick
They stand on the porch calling goodbye to Mommy,
wishing her a good day at work,
a good journey to work.
Goodbye. Goodbye. We love you.
Have a good day. Have good luck.
Don’t lose your beautiful dress.
Don’t let any of your buttons come unbuttoned.
Don’t lose your shoes. Or eyeglasses.
Don’t lose your backpack.
Or anything important out of it.
Don’t forget your umbrella.
I hope your boss doesn’t
call you on your cell phone.
And finally,
as she passes beyond earshot, they blow kisses,
hoping they may find their way to her and be caught.