mother's day

our chevy station wagon
morphs into a suburban rocket
hurtling up cherry drive
toward school

rage gives Evelyn
a heavy foot

if the rocket jumps the curb
our simple lap belts
will never be enough
to keep us together

five children give Evelyn
more than she can handle

mother does not recall
making unwilling astronauts
of her wide-eyed passengers
who themselves cannot forget

failing health gives Evelyn
a clear conscience

there is no one
worthy of this anger
the simple passing of time
has made good Evelyn's escape