The Rhyming Gene

While cleaning a closet, I came across
An envelope which held
Report cards from first grade on up,
The proof that I’d excelled.

Yet stuck between the cards I found
A little penciled note
In writing that I recognized
And this is what she wrote:

“Your closet needs cleaning, I’m sure you can tell
So talk on the phone less time to your Ell.*
Throw out the old things, cards, letters, shoes, too.
I’m sure there are some things you’ll keep – a few.
The rest of your room is as neat as a pin.
Clean out your closet – then the world can look in.”

This message from my mom, a poem

Reminded me today
That rhyming surely came to me
Within my DNA.

*Elliot, my high school boyfriend