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things moms say

you would never guess those sweet blue
eyes hide a stubborn streak a mile wide
there is something about being a mother that makes you say things. things you never thought you would actually say, but that come out of your mouth anyway.

and i guess moms say these things because they work, but it is SO weird to feel myself saying them and then be thinking, did i just say that??

things like, using john's first AND last name when he's in trouble. that's such an old chestnut that i didn't even think about it until i caught myself yelling it to him across the living room. i don't remember if my mom did this when i was a kid. but apparently "moms everywhere" do, including me ...

things like, counting to three. you know, "john, come here right now! i'm going to count to three. one ... two ... " the amazing thing about this one is, IT WORKS. good job thinking of this, all those moms i copied from. it works really well. and it still feels strange to hear it come from my mouth.

things like, "cruisin' for a bruisin'". yeah, i said that. can we move on?

things like, "use your inside voice." and "don't run in socks!" and "i have to wash behind your ears."

it is like some 1950s mom in her crinolines and apron has taken over the verbal center of my brain, and she makes these things come out of my mouth. it's like i am POSSESSED by the spirits of all the moms who went before me!

don't look at me like that - your face might get stuck that way.
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