Handwriting On The Wall

A weary mother returned from the store,
lugging groceries through the door.
Awaiting her arrival was her oldest son,
eager to relate what his brother had done.
"While I was out playing and Dad was on call,
Jake took his crayons and wrote on the wall."
It's on the new paper that you 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 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 out his name as she entered his room,
He trembled with fear for 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 she stomped from his room, totally distraught.
She headed for the den to confirm her fears,
when she saw the wall her eyes filled with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul like a dart.
It said, "I love you Mom" surrounded by a heart.


Well, the wallpaper remained just as she had found it,
With an empty frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her and indeed to all,
Take time to read what they write on the wall.