when the kids are gone
I trip over their toys
wooden train tracks
naked barbies arranged in a dollhouse
I stub my toe on a stool in the bathroom
pink, bubble gum-flavored mouthwash
gummy multi-vitamins on the counter
a green monster training potty
I don’t bother cleaning up
or putting things away
I await with expectation
their return
like they will be back this afternoon
even though I know
I have to pick them up on Thursday
this is their home
even when the kids are gone

© 2021 Jason A. Muckley