Wendy is ready to cut the umbilical cord,
tired of being mother to Peter
who behaves like he’s ten,
surrounded by his band of lost boys.
How many more nights
will she spend in a bed by herself?
He avoids work.
Plays games till dawn.
Sleeps through late afternoon.
Why is she the one tasked
with cooking meals, doing laundry,
dealing with creditors,
cleaning his house?
What was once magical is now
a burdensome chore.
She’d have left this isle earlier,
but is terrified of pirates and crocodiles.
They block every route.
She wonders if Tinkerbell accepts bribes,
would be willing to help her escape
this piss-poor, enabling relationship choice?
Jennifer Lagier has published nine poetry books and in multiple literary magazines. She taught with California Poets in the Schools and is now a retired college librarian/instructor, member of the Italian American Writers Association, co-edits the Homestead Review, helps coordinate monthly Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Second Sunday readings. Website: http://jlagier.net
Your One Phone Call 