the dating mom

she smiles
and says
that the laundry
never ends, or
the cooking, or
helping the kids
with homework,
and sports, and
driving them
everywhere they
need to be. the dog
needs shots and
the grass needs
cutting, i
love being a mom
she says, and
sighs, she sips
her wine, nibbles
at the cheese on
the over sized plate,
her dress is twisted
beneath her folded
legs, her lipstick
slightly off, she
scratches at the grey
roots, the inch
or two that have
pushed out the blonde.
there's no time,
she says. she's tired,
and yawns and stretches,
looks at her watch,
you need to go
i say, and she
says i need to go.
i told the sitter nine.
i have to work
in the morning,
i'm sorry. i see
her touch her
finger where her
wedding band used
to be, then let go.
i walk her to her car,
we shake in the cold
night, a friendly hug,
she waves with
a stiff open hand
and forces a smile,
you were nice,
she says loudly, goodbye.
goodnight, i tell
her. drive safely.