listen to me

my mother always
had something to say
to her brood
of children.
they were more like
announcements
that she issued
from the kitchen or the
screen door
with the wave of her
hands.
wash up.
come in for dinner,
put that stick down,
who's is it?
don't chew with your
mouth open,
read, do your
homework.
quit teasing your
sister,
or i'm telling your
father
if and when he ever
comes home.
brush your teeth,
comb your hair.
put the seat down.
take out the trash,
walk the dog.
there was a lot of
pressure being
ten years old.