Don’t take off your shoes
when you walk through the door,
and leave muddy footprints all over
the kitchen tile.
Don’t listen to her advice,
even though you know
she’s definitely right.
Instead make mistakes
she would really
hate.
Don’t bring your dirty plate up
to the sink, covered
with leftover chicken and
slimy spinach. Make sure
to leave it on the counter.
Don’t tell her
how much you appreciate
all the things she does
for you, or how much
you love her.
Don’t clean up your room,
with dirty socks and books
strewn on the ground,
and force her to pick it all up
instead.
Don’t tell her you care,
But, know that she will
always care
for you.
