Friends tell me
that sometimes
their children fight.
I reply
that sometimes
my children don’t fight!

Next year for Mothers’ Day,
I’m going to tell my youngsters
to forget all about
breakfast in bed,
cards and presents.
Instead I’m going to ask them
for something
infinitely more precious –
a truce!

Imagine …
a whole day
of not having to referee rows
or arbitrate on someone’s behalf!

A whole day
of not having to endure
sullen silences
or dirty looks!

A whole day
of not having to deflect criticism
or being caught in the middle!

Fingers crossed
for a Mothers’ Day
of peace and quiet …
… next year!

© Claire Murray