I've been writing poems to read as the visiting poet at Rose's school, and I figured you all would enjoy them.

What Mommies Have, I Mean, Get to Do

You didn't bring your raincoat?
We could wrap you
in mine. And you're cold.
I've got my
scarf right here, my new
red hat. I think you could fit
in my fuzzy, the one I got
for my birthday.
Your hands? My gloves
will probably be big, but why don't we
slip them on you.

Yes, I see that snail.
It's a very nice
snail, quite the gooey, slippery,
slimey just look at those
antenna waving right next
to my face. Do I want
to touch it? Yes, yes, of course,
I would love to.

You need a drink of water
and a blanket and not that blanket
the other one and the window
is too far open. I'll turn
the little light, leave your door
open to the red flower.
I'll tell you the one
about the unicorn who visited the witch
but I won't make the witch
too scary. I would never ever
make the witch too scary.

Deborah Bacharach


I'm Almost Ready by Mommy

I just need to pack the suntan lotion; three
plastic balls--the yellow one, the blue one,
and the one with a penguin on it; the catcher's
mitt Daddy usually uses but he's letting you
borrow; five cheese sticks; an ice pack
for the cheese sticks; five bars; the other type
of bar just in case; three water bottles with ice;
the yellow picnic blanket because the red one
I got last summer is dirty, still; three changes
of clothes; two towels, and one kitchen sink;
why do we need the kitchen sink? in case
I forget to pack the plumber.

Deborah Bacharach

I'm Almost Ready by a Six Year Old

I just need to build this tower with the red
bricks and the green bricks and I need ten
more red bricks and I think David threw
them behind the couch. I can't find my shoe,
the pink one I wore to Grandma's house
and then I stepped in the big puddle so it
was soaking wet and we left it on the porch
last week. Yes, I looked on the porch.
I'm hungry. Can I have a snack? I want
crackers and cheese squares and water and
cranberries, please. Where's the swim bag?
I think David took my goggles. I need
my swim bag. David's in my room!
I don't want David in my room! The ponies
need to have a parade. I can't leave until
the littlest one gets to march in the parade.
Yes, I peed.

Deborah Bacharach