CHAOS IN A SMALL WORLD

Hardships, family chaos

Exhaustion overcomes

as the chaotic routine

of her small world begs to pause

She cares for her brood of five

alone, abandoned by her spouse

home chores, cook, shop compassion

supermom by day

Bedraggled by nightfall

after five kisses and tucks

she flops on her sleigh bed

buries her flaming red hair

in an old pillowcase

moistens it from fluid water droplets

Neighbors come and go in this chaos

to help care for her young

as little one's fight, push, scream

And this small sphere of a family

pleads for bliss, calm, sanity

as their daily lives press on

mother waits patiently for them to grow up

Reviews

[barleygirl]

There are so many ways that men seem to get a ticket to duck out of the parenting in large swathes. It happens a bunch of the time, even when father lives with family, but to an even worse degree, when he doesn't. One big reason I did not have kids . . . as the youngest of 9, I saw what happened to my 5 older sisters when relationships went awry . . . I saw much single motherhood growing up, which is a terrific deterrent for an independent person like me! Your poem is a well-constructed & easily recognized word portrait that makes the reader hurt for all single mothers (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes Margie, I agree, that women sometime get the short end of the stick, especially when it comes to raising kids. I have known, through my volunteer work, literally hundreds of single moms supported by the govt. unable to work. thanks for the in-depth critique., xo

[Lea Sheryn]

It can be chaotic when you have to shouldef the responsibilities of a family on yout own.

[Betty Hermelee]

yes it can be dreadful! Thanks, Betty

[Lea Sheryn]

You're welcome

[Ladysue]

Super mom indeed. To care for five children alone has to be the hardest job on earth.
The last line speaks volumes. Chaos in a small world, a perfect title. You painted the scene well.

[Betty Hermelee]

Yes and too many of these poor souls ! best, Betty

[alanwgraham]

I know how tough (and fun) it was with three under 5 and that was with everything in our favour. Factor in single parent, no regular income, etc, etc and the screw turns ever tighter. Hats off to single parents (sometimes the dad) who cope and perform miracles and noshame on those that struggle. What a great portrayal of these unsung heroes Betty.
Take care,
Alan

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Alan...as always I appreciate your reviews!

[InkAndScrolls]

Patience is the key. Beautiful.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for your lovely critique. Nice to meet you at the cafe! Fondly, Betty

[Chris Shaw]

All those mouths to feed. Such an exhausting responsibility to face as a single parent. Nothing but admiration for those who keep their brood together, well fed and watered. Sign of the times Betty with breakups on the increase. Nicely conveyed lines.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Chris, thanks for your lovely review

[jacob erin-cilberto]

a wonderful parallel to the life and chaos caused by the pandemic...
kids will grow up and calm...but will this virus lift, leave, allow us to find peace, to go outside
and mingle in a different world...one in which we appreciate each other?
I admire the mother who gives those pecks, and show such enormous patience.
We must do that now.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Jacob, thank you for such a thoughtful critique!

[Patricia Wedel]

Our neighbors have five children from 18 to five and
a big three-story house, however I know the Mother
works two Jobs outside the home. Amazing family and
well educated. Many do not have the resources, but do
have a number of children... some with only one parent.
We do need to be a "Village" and 'watch' the children to
keep them safe. A heart-felt poem... and tragic in a silent way.
gently, Pat

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi Pat: It's difficult for a single mom to work with 5 kids; usually they get food stamps and help from the government, a sad comment on life, thank you for your insights, always appreciate them.

[Patricia Wedel]

Our neighbor has a husband... but not certain what their Jobs entail. Sometimes the Man of the house helps with the
chores... or sometimes not. I always want to hold and watch the little ones. And I can learn from the older Kids. They are so Smart. Tenderly, Pat

[John the Baptist]

A grim picture of a woman trying to make do. Just reading the first verses can impart a sense of fatigue. the only saving grace in this sad picture is the friends trying to provide support. One wonders how many women in this country are in similar situations.

[Betty Hermelee]

Hi John; thousands of women in this country are in this situation, living on govt. support, tragic. Thanks for your thoughts

[Ana Papaya]

A true hardship so many single moms are faced with sadly.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Anna, appreciate it!