Teachable Moment

Cambra J. Koczkur

He said,
It feels like you are the queen of this house
and I have to do everything,
after I asked him, please, to pick up a sock.
So I knelt.
I talked to him about family,
loving through action,
pitching in,
playing a part,
supporting each other.
When I ask tomorrow, you say
Yes, ma'am, without a hint of whine.

I didn't say,
Your father quoted Neruda the day he proposed,
calling me royal.
You breathe air because
your daddy saw my invisible crown.
Child, I am a queen.
Thank the love and stardust that formed you
that I am a benevolent one.