Johnny’s Belly Poem by Adrianne Quinlan

Johnny’s belly looks a bit more rotund today.
Mommy and daddy have gone off
to find the red house
with white shutters and picket fence
on this deep navy dawn
when the stars are full and bright,
and twinkle glistening white.

The baby sitter throws a slipper at his head
and wishes him dead.
Mom and dad will not find out
because they won’t see her snarl;
she smiles so gratefully when they return
and lay the cash on her palm.

Must save more and more;
no need to explore
or peep through that teddy bear’s eye for the score –
she’s up really early
and came well recommended.

Johnny runs to mommy with a bump on his head
and points to the sitter and scowls.
Daddy says little tike and swish-swashes his hair
and he says, “Ouch, not there! ”

They brought his favorite dinner
with the M on the bag.
Those nuggets smothered in beebeeQ sauce
and cheesebuggers and flies are so good.

He sees the bag and hushes,
and mommy promises Mac and Cheese
with diced hotdogs, and peanut butter cookies
for lunch tomorrow –
pour-from-the-box/bag-and-mix easy.