Barf Bags

or whatevah-you've-got

My father-in-law saw me hosing down the carseat, paper towels tucked under my arm and chuckled. “Write it in your journal,” he said, “you’ll want to remember.”

Barf Bags

The enzymatic after notes may fade someday
So this is my receipt.

Is he just trying to get out of school today?
Remember - be tender.

Proof is in the barf bag-
or bowl - 
or tupperware -
or crinkled goodie bag from last week's Sat. afternoon 8th birthday bash———

I wish we had.

On the side of Route 95.

Harsh brakes. Hazard lights. 
Gather resolve. Think quick.
You must be 
the Pilot - the flight attendant - mediator- highway patrol- nurse 
The janitor- counselor -high priestess - holy one - 
The all-we-have-at-the-moment-mama

Not all the proof made it out the window 
On that first New England spring day
Remember the one?
So marvelous
That a spontaneous dance party 
Erupted on the Esplanade

Proof is now in the cup holder
Leaching into the back-alley carseat crevice
Greeting french fries from drive-thru feedings gone by

Dearest, Olfactory Bulb
Please don't forget to bring me back 
When I'm more grey and even more forgetful

To a time....
When when my sweet boys
Carried white-handled barf bowls 
Like must-have-take-a-long-totes
And they looked at me
Like I could do anything

....
Tara Dawn Hartley

I know it’s gross, but we mix pancake batter in here too. Dishwashers sanitize.