Mark Frazer and his wife Denee are parents to Angelica Rose, 2 ½ from Jiangxi province. Mark, one of our few male poets, enjoys expressing his emotions in poetic form, and has here recorded a trauma that to which we can all.

First Day at the Sitter

This was a day we did not look forward to.
This was something I really wish I didn't have to do.
I changed her diaper, washed her hands and face.
It was my job to take her on my way to the work place.

We left early and I just drove around.
Acting to her like we were just seeing the town.
I took her to Krogers to see some friends and she smiled.
I guess I was postponing the hurt for a while.

It's now 8:30 we arrive at the door.
I walked inside like it was some big chore.
I kissed her little head and I told her good-bye.
She gave me that look and we both started to cry.

It really was something, I really felt weird.
It was exactly what I had feared.
My heart broke and my stomach ached
I'll see you real soon you just have to wait.

When I picked her up she played hard to get.
But when we got in the car she had a smile that won't quit.
I guess we survived our first day at the sitter.
I'll take her again tomorrow, cuz I ain't no quitter.

© 1998 Mark Frazer

Credits: Mark Frazer