If my former younger self had known,
That adult Vickie would have three kids and a home,
I would have laughed and said, “Not me!”
I was still learning that money doesn’t grow on trees.
But oh, how my life has changed.
I have developed talents that span quite a range—
From changing diapers while balancing a child on my elbow,
To learning the name of every sports person in Buffalo.
And in between, I cook and clean,
Fix the plumbing, install a screen.
I do some painting, talk on the phone,
And bathe the kids as I write this poem.
All the talents I never knew existed—
Before children, I just may have resisted.
Diapers, Dishes, and Delusions of Control
I think it will be many years until my parole
This poem was written in 1990, back in the day
Now I am NANA and hiding my grey
I still have a lot of playtime with my three youngins’
They are now grandchildren, another generation begins
Diapers, Dishes, and Delusions of Control ,
It went so fast, I sometimes (not always) miss that original frenzied role.
This is year five celebrating Mother’s Day without my Mom,
I thank her for all she taught me about giving love and not remaining calm!
I love our family more than this poem can rhymingly (is that a word) say,
And to all my fellow Moms, Aunts, and Nanas,
Happy Mother’s Day.
Anonymous 
Karyn Walsh 
phyllis.scheff@gmail.com
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