30th of May
I wasn’t exactly
quite a child
That 30th of May.
But if twelve seems old and too mature
Just hear what I’ll think some day.
I said my head was bothering me.
I did fake I was sick.
That Tuesday I stayed home from school
And admired my own wit.
My grandparents took care of me.
They’d come to care for Mom.
She was in the hospital.
(At least they made her calm.)
All morning I stood by the phone
Waiting for the call.
Mom was waiting patiently
And Dad went through it all.
At lunchtime I received a call.
Full of joy was I!
Sadly it was just a friend
Who went home ‘sick’, oh my . . .
We went for lunch and sat to chat
About our life and all.
My grandparents then had just found out
About my lie so tall.
After that I went back home
And watched over the phone.
Still no ring, still no call.
But then I heard a tone!
I picked it up and there was Dad.
He didn’t sound so happy.
He said today was not the day.
But tomorrow won’t be so crappy.
I gave up on calls and headed to Starbucks.
There I’d find some peace.
Once again, my friend was there.
She invited me to a piece.
I ate my snack and called back Dad
To make sure he wasn’t wrong.
Then suddenly I heard his joy!
His voice was full of song.
He couldn’t speak, I called right then
Right after she had come.
He said, “Come quick! Come really quick!”
So I began to run.
I jumped so high and screamed so loud
Neighbors turned around.
I announced to my friend, “The baby has come!”
Not a single frown was found.
She tagged along, my friend I mean
But first we bought some masks.
Supposedly we were both sick
So nobody would ask.
My grandparents were at the car
As soon as I got there.
With all the rush and all the fuss
Glee was in the air!
When I saw Mom with no baby girl
I wondered where she’d be.
But then and there a nurse came in
With the baby in arms for all to see.
I almost cried, she was so cute
I held her in my arms.
And there she lay, peaceful and calm
Showing off her charms.
So that’s the story of that day
That 30th of May.
Her name is Laura, she’s almost two.
I hope she’ll read this poem some day.
By Clara Herberg