Imitation by Hope Anita Smith

Imitation

Sometimes

   I'm the mom

                    and I have six children.

 Three dolls,

two fish,   

and a dog. 

                        And I get so tired because 

             I have to love them

   all day long.  

                  I have to squeeze them

   and hug them

    and kiss them.

                And be proud of them 

   when they cry 

  or swim          

      or wag their tail. 

                 And sometimes I have to

           sit down for a minute

        and catch my breath

        'cause, Lord knows, 

it's hard work   

              lovin' all these children.

                                                                                      --from Mother Poems