don't slam the screen door

don't slam the screen door,
she'd say
as we ran from front to back,
dogs behind us.
wash your hands, is your homework
done.
eat your peas.
don't talk with your mouth full.
say your prayers,
brush your teeth.
don't pull your sister's hair,
don't tease.
take a bath and use soap
this time. get behind your ears.
pull up your pants, roll
up your sleeves.
be a good boy, don't get into
trouble
at school today,
please. please. i have enough
on my plate.
let me see
your report card.
come home before dark,
don't wander far.
i can see her now at the door,
her black glasses
on her nose,
her apron on.
the sweat of the kitchen
on her brow.
let's go, she'd yell to the seven
of us,
dinner's ready.
it's on the table.
time to come in. not tomorrow,
but now.