Endless Night

34 lines

Endless Night

The list was long, some best friends some not
as Mom kept adding ones Maggie forgot.
“That’s enough,” Dad said again
worrying about affording pizza for ten.

A skating party would have been Dad’s choice
so Maggie and Mom didn’t give him a voice.
A sleepover party was in sight
Dad shook his head, but didn’t fight.

The birthday girl was excited as could be
visions of presents she couldn’t wait to see.
Dad was doing his share of wishing
he was certain he’d rather be fishing.

The kids were young, and anxious Moms
barely turning in Pretty Ponies for pom-poms.
The Moms and girls started to arrive
and all were assured they would survive.

With a sugar high from cake and cookies
birthday parties aren’t for rookies.
The little ones are too sweet for murder
but turned Dad into a chicken herder.

It is a blessing to come once a year no doubt
with all the squealing, giggles and running about.
And sure as hell as Dad departed
As soon as the light went out, the whispering started.