Day 21 of the writing challenge is revolves on the idea of writing a poem based on something we have overheard in passing.  Today, I overheard a mother being dismissive because she had no time for the way her child was acting.  The way the child was acting was reasonably expected from a little girl coming into this world and confronting things that she has yet to learn about.   In the drive home, this turned around into the following poem:

I Got No Time
by Michael Romani

A little girl falls; she skins her knee
Her Momma looks away, "(D)on't you bother me!!"
"Pick yourself up and get a move on!"
This sort of chance will soon be gone
I hear her say, "I got no time..."
And I think that it's a crime
Better to give just a little dignity
Before she grows up to be just like me

A little boy loses his cool and acts out
His daddy responds with a holler and a shout
"Boy, you best get on your best game face on!"
This one little chance will soon be gone
I hear him say, "I got no time..."
And I think it's nothing short of a crime
Better to explain with a little dignity
Before he grows up to be just like me

All these times that we let slip on by
Failing to give even close to our best reply
Are a part of what is ailing our society
So many things that we could turnaround
If we would give our best, you and me
I bet a little more time can be found
Treating each other with love and dignity
Setting the examples of you and me

(c) April 21, 2017 Michael Romani