candy bar wrappers
under the coffee table,
pop cans on the coffee table,
potato chips and other
 items of unknown origin
on the couch;

chores to do that
someone else didn't do;

water and scuff marks
on the fine furniture
and crayon marks
on the wall;

groceries to haul,
bellies to feed, and a
house to clean,
even when they're exhausted
and don't feel like doing it;

socks,
socks,
socks,
and more socks--
to buy,
to collect,
to wash,
and to endlessly
and unsuccessfully match;

And driving,
driving,
driving,
and more circuitous,
endless,
brain-numbing
and eye-wearying
driving.

I wish my children,
who never want to be
a parent like me,
kids just like mine.