The Day I Grew Up

I can never forget that day
You sent us swimming
So you could pack our bags
Get us ready to go
Even my teddy bear

I can never forget that man
He had white hair
And he looked to me
Like the Quaker Oatmeal man
Like my grandpa

I can never forget your eyes
I saw such pain
Masking such relief
To be sending us off
Away from your home

I can never forget my stunned amazement
Feeling so lost
So numb and immobile
Knowing how much
You wanted us gone

I can never forget my sister
Refusing to leave
Locked in the laundry room
Screaming at you
She didn't want to go

I can never forget that day
When we came home
And you sent us away
I was twelve
But she was only seven

I can never forget you, Mom
Your strung out face
Sitting in the chair
Anxiously tapping your feet
Waiting for it to be over