The Longest Way ‘Round
Mommy taught
3rd grade
Her book was The Longest
Way ’Round (Is The Shortest Way Home)
I was an adult
Before I realized
How True
Their marriage
Is none of your business
You don’t understand
Your parents don’t owe
You anything
You finally say to yourself:
They Have Nothing
I want
Except
I remember this Blue Book
With a wonderful title
My Mother West Wind Stories
And Mommy singing
“Time After Time”
It worked
I am Happy
by Nikki Giovanni
from The Poetry Foundation