temper tantrums

They happen unexpectedly
Straight out of the blue
Things are going well, and then
A calm space turns into a zoo
 
Chimpanzees and parrots
Cannot match the noise
Coming from a child
Who cannot find their toy

Tots whose clothing feels too tight
On their legs or on their arms
Or the colour cup that mom grabbed
Requires sounding the alarm

They never want to leave
A kids' party or the park
So when the kiddos are forced out
They are sure to leave their mark
 
Even if you have just bought them
An ice cream cone or a new bike
Fifteen minutes later
Their gratitude can go on strike
 
Mom is lucky if a tantrum
Is in the comfort of her home
Because when they are in public
Her child, she wants to disown
 
It’s super fun when they drop down
Onto the ground like a dead bug
Kicking, screaming, crying too
Which is when mama needs a hug
 
But instead, mom is in the mix
Of all those kicks and screams and cries
Doing what she needs to do
To tone down this sweet surprise
 
Through gritted teeth and empty threats
Mom quietly freaks out
Just another situation
Where she’s riddled with self-doubt
 
“You’re lucky you’re so cute!”
Sentiments every mom has said
To her babes on her last nerve
As she tucks them into bed