The Mother Poem by Sandra Martyres

Two unwashed hungry children
Wait at the door for her to return
It is well past her usual time today
Tears of fear roll down their cheeks

The failing light from dusk to dark
Adds to the tense atmosphere
The older child suddenly decides
To put on a brave act for his brother

He whispers into his ear very slowly
That Mother is probably delayed at work
And has probably missed her regular train
The younger boy seems more at ease

Both jump on hearing the gate open
Relief on their faces to see their Mom
Returning with a lot of shopping bags
Hurriedly she enters and hugs the boys

She apologises for being late and promises
Them a special treat after they shower
Soon two well scrubbed boys appear but
When they near the dinner table they notice

Their Mother sitting in a rather pensive mood
They sense that her mind is preoccupied and
This time the tears are in her eyes - her boys
Do not even remember that it is Mother's Day