Love

I'm standin' in the kitchen thinkin', "What do I make?"

The family's hungry and needs some food on a plate.

Nothing's defrosted. Nothing is planned.

I'm out of ideas. Hope the kids'll understand.

I shout over T.V.s, "What do you want for dinner?"

"Something not yucky!" Sounds like a real winner.

"How about specifics?" No one answers my question.

I should've never asked them, that'll teach me a lesson.

Then it hits me. Eureka! There's only one thing they like.

It's super simple. I got this. Even I can get it right.

I grab one ingredient from the pantry, another from the fridge.

The last from the countertop, then I screw open the lids.

I snag a knife and a plate, now we're ready to cook.

I know the recipe by heart. You can't find it in a book.

"Dinner," I yell. Silence echoes once more.

"Dinner's ready!" I scream. Now pitter-patters on the floor.

"Mmm," one says as we sit at the table.

Single parent. Three kids. But our family's stable.

As the last of four sits, a resounding, "Hooray!

Mine's cut like a heart. Mommy's made my day."

I wish I could do more, but I just can't today.

Today, I have to spell LOVE with P-B-N-J.