A weary mother returned
from the store,
Lugging groceries through
the kitchen door.

Awaiting her arrival
was her 8 year old son,
Eager to relate what his
younger brother had done.

"While I was out playing
and Dad was on a call,
T.J. took his crayons
and wrote on the wall!

She let out a moan and
furrowed her brow,
"Where is your little
brother right now?"

She emptied her arms and
with a purposeful stride,
She marched to his closet
where he had gone to hide.

She called his full name
as she entered his room.
He trembled with fear
he knew that meant doom!

For the next ten minutes,
she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper
and how she had saved.

The more she scolded,
the madder she got,
Then stomped from his
room, totally distraught!

She headed for the den
to confirm her fears.
When she saw the wall,
her eyes flooded with tears.

The message she read pierced
her soul with a dart.
It said, "I Love Mommy,"
surrounded by a heart.

Well, the wallpaper remained,
just as she found it,
With an empty picture
frame hung to surround it.

A reminder to her,
and indeed to all,
Take time to read the