Author Unknown
 

A weary mother returned from the store
Lugging groceries through the kitchen door

Awaiting her arrival was her eight-year-old son
Eager to relate what his younger brother had done

"While I was out playing and Dad was on a call
TJ took his crayons and wrote on the wall

It's on the new paper you just hung in the den
I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again."

She let out a moan and furrowed her brow
"Where is your little brother right now?"

She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride
She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide

She called his full name as she entered his room
He trembled with fear - he knew that meant doom!

For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved
About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved

Stressed over all the work it would take to repair
She condemned his actions and total lack of care

The more she scolded, the madder she got
Then stomped from his room, totally distraught!

She headed for the den to confirm her fears
When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears

The message she read pierced her soul with a dart
It said "I love Mommy" surrounded by a heart

Well the wallpaper remained, just as she found it
With an empty picture frame hung to surround it

A reminder to her, and indeed to all
Take time to read the handwriting on the wall.