The kids burst through the door
Dropping their bags
Shouts of Mom! Mom!
"Look at my robot!
It's so cool with its
egg carton legs
and tape holding it together."

I could use some tape myself,
To hold this aching head in place.

"Mom, I need to tell you,
this boy called me a bitch
on the bus today."
But you're only nine.
Why does it start so soon?

"Mom what's for dinner?"
Dinner... I don't know
Everything aches down to my bones;
My fingertips scream at me,
I'm craving someplace quiet

Their laughter spills around me
Like musical wind chimes
But also like an overwhelming flood

Its raining today and cold
Cold like my prayers,
Too many clouds, maybe
They bounce my thoughts
Back into my head.

My insides are a dark hole,
Pulling me inward
as if I'll fold into myself.

"Hey mom, I love you.
Can I give you a hug?" 

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