Don'T Go, Momma Poem by Richard Provencher

Watch momma place an arm
reluctantly
into her coat
chilly outside she says

we know she'll be away all night
with the waitress job
has to do it since dad is sick

means food on the table
when the paycheck arrives
end of the week

five children and husband
depending on her

saw tears close her eyes
have to go she says
kisses her little darlings then we look
at each other
me the oldest and wanting to cry
don't go momma

she has to
and I know she needs one more hug.