The good mom

you fear

perhaps

you can't live up to that

but you have a man

who might protest

who thinks you're qualified

who I wager

thinks you're the best

and the animals

did you ask

your dogs and cats

you're qualified

they can attest

to that

how you've doctored,

fed, hugged, loved

for them

done your best

more than any child

can expect

CALDER WOLFE