Poet’s showcase

Mom and Apple Pie

By Florence Smith

Hard as nails, they say

when a tough job needs doing,

and I don my facade of

“Don’t mess with me, Child!”

Easy as mush, I sigh

when my heart twists

for the reprimanded. I relent.

No one knows how hard it is

to be both mom and apple pie.

Mystical green aloe plant

with magical jell inside,

Heal thyself or die!

– Florence Smith lives in Overland Park.