falls on mom

The patriarchy has a way
To make mothers feel as though
All that her family does
Should fall on her, which isn’t so

If two adults live in a home
Why, then, do we assume
When things are out of place
It can’t be Ward; it must be June

When both the parents and the kids
Are invited to events
The dads sit back, drink beer, hang out
While moms chase the kids and vent

When the children misbehave
‘Cause sometimes that is what kids do
Crowd zeros in on mom
But why not daddy too?

Could the toilet use a brush?
The kitchen counters a good wipe?
A tidy home is not dad’s job
It's a “good mom” stereotype

If the kiddos clothes don’t match
Or they have hair that looks unbrushed
Dad won't get those snarky stares
It’s mama’s feelings that are crushed

If the family's attendance
Becomes requested up ahead
Replying does not rest on dad
RSVP falls on mom instead

When children receive presents
From friends and family, near and far
Thank you notes may be presumed
But not from dad, which is bizarre

Moms work hard to guarantee
Her kids are fed, safe, and secure
But if she skips a beat, why then
Must we make her feel insecure?

Instead of putting focus
On meaningless, trivial things
Why can we not just honour mom
For the joy to her kids she brings?