When we were kids
They
Worked tirelessly
To
Ensure we would
Rinse dishes
Wash windows
Make beds
Clean clothes
Now?
We pat ourselves
On our backs
Long past
Days of kitchen counters
Filthy
Swarming
Fruit flies
Beer bottles
Leftover from
Parties three weeks ago
Look Ma
Look Dad
We can
Play adult!
We can
Be grown-ups too!
While I relax before bed
You
Must think
It is art class
2nd grade
You keep all the lights on
The house glows
At all angles
As if it would
Look like a firefly
From space
When you leave
I am not
Collecting your dishes
Or
Emptying your garbage
No
But
I am
Flicking switches
Cursing loudly
I am
Not your babysitter
Nor your parent
Not a caregiver
Grow up
Clean up after yourself
Quit wasting our damn energy