Babysitter

In the most private corner of
the filthy cafeteria, a young
couple shares a meal after school.
In between washing down their burgers
with soda and making out, she speaks.
Babysitting—her newest hobby
(And not just for the money).
On and on she talks about what fun
watching a child is… as if she isn’t one.
He chokes catching her meaning:
“If the condom breaks, I won’t mind.”
As if having children is just as easy as
pouring invisible tea for a table of dolls.
Premature parenthood—she’s so eager;
he drowns the idea in another mouthful of soda.
Tears end the conversation; though, not
his fault—she checked her watch, tensely.
Mother is an hour late picking up
her daughter from junior high.

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May 3, 2006

constructive criticism: ended a bit too abruptly.. but if thats what you were going for, well done. i must say i’ve been that girl in the past. however i’ve since rethought my expected reaction to pregnancy, i’d surely freak out. best wishes & keep writing. xo-

May 11, 2006

mmm it’s that clock. That damn clock that starts ticking the day young girls start to flow. It’s tough trying to remind onesself that having a child at a young age is an idiotic idea when every cell in her body burns to do so.