My Mother Ran Away Today

My mother ran away today
She walked right out the door
Packed her tooth brush and pajamas
Said, «I can’t take it any more.»
She said that she was tired
She said she had her fill
Of cooking our meals, washing our clothes
And cleaning up all our spills
She said she’d write us letters
With no return address
She said she’d come back someday
But now she has to rest
She took the plants, she took the cats
Took our pictures from the wall
And though it’s just been two hours
I wish that she would call
I never thought I’d miss her
Isn’t that the way?
You never know how much Mom means to you
Until she runs away