Waiting for the Oatmeal to Cool


Waiting for the Oatmeal to Cool

A Poetry Award Submission by Suzanne Bailie


Waiting for the Oatmeal to Cool

I wait for the oatmeal to cool

the honey and almond milk

poured and stirred to speed the process

I wait for you to stop chewing, drooling on

the stained cookie monster bib

faded blue from bleach and washings

I wait for you to open your

perfect pouty pink lips

enough that the baby spoon slips in

I wait for you to crawl

then stand

then walk

then run

I wait for the still night when

my sleep is not interrupted

by your selfish need for me

I wait for the quiet when you

and your brothers are in summer camp

kindergarten and college

I wait for you to drive my car

dent my car, then

fib about the circumstance

I wait for you to cry

your heart tattered by loves

first wretched break

I wait for you to fly away

our homes many states apart

your busy busy mid-aged life

I wait for your Sunday calls

your proof of affection and

sharing children’s new baby pictures

I wait for you to talk to my doctor

or help start my ridiculous

stupid motorized chair

I wait for you to warm my soup

and steady my spoon as it

slips between my thin lips

My lovely girl

I wait for you

Suzanne Bailie is a playwright and poet. Her poetry is included in several anthologies and online magazines. Her words have inspired modern dance and graced Seattle Metro buses. Suzanne’s short and quirky plays have been produced in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and South America.

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