The Door
Filled with black handprints
Scuff marks, scratches, and spilled drinks
Welcome to our mess
Crowded Lockers
Jammed with many coats
For any kind of weather
Still not enough hooks
Floor Mat
Collecting the dirt
But only one footprint’s worth
At least that’s something
Water Bottles
Every size and shape
Meant for water, filled with juice
Maybe check for mold
Backpacks
School’s been out for months
But the backpacks haven’t moved
Hoping there’s no lunch
Muddy Socks
Holes in heels and toes
Why wear shoes when socks work fine?
White cotton stained black
Single Mittens
Winter’s leftovers
They’re always missing their mates
Keeping one hand warm
Soccer Cleats
Caked with grass and dirt
Tiny turf pellets inside
Kicked off carelessly
Empty Cabinets and Bench
Places to store things
That no one ever uses
Kids prefer the floor
The Invisible Presence
The smells of three boys
In a tiny and cramped space
Overwhelms the nose
Neatly ordered house
Constant chaos replaced with calm
Time passes too quickly
Kim, this is so good! It made me chuckle. “Maybe check for mold.” love it!