Mom Knows Best
While daddy had a strong
work-outside-the-home ethic
sometimes two jobs
it was our stay-at-home-mom’s commitment
I was most inspired by
her raising seven kids
supper at five.
That summer in the late 80s
maybe it was the need for more money
she got a job as city secretary
in a small west Texas town, population 300.
When we went to the family reunion
& walked to the one-block downtown
into a small office
she sat at her desk
attentive
hands folded on top.
Mom! What are you doing?
She quit the next week.
10 thoughts on "Mom Knows Best"
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Great
She knew better
my favorite line: “hands folded on top”
I love the details in this poem. The time of dinner, the population of the town and that it’s specified as a west Texas town, not just as a town. I’ve been to west Texas town and it’s a very specific place. I could feel your mom as she walked the one-block town! Great stuff, Laverne. I have fallen love with your parents.
Thanks, Linda, I don’t have too many complaints about my parents.
Well, they produced one magnificent daughter.
Really good.
Again, your details that emerge are very well set in the musings.
And this one looks really good on the page.
Great write.
Love the title and her decision!
You show the contrast well:
raising seven kids
supper at five.
hands folded on top.
Love this, Laverne! Your mom was ahead of her time. She knew corporate America was a scam.
Kevin, you’re absolutely right about that.
Wonderful memory honoring your mom!