Thoughts from a harried mom, who is beginning to think some time in a minimum-security, white collar crime prison is looking pretty good.

I WANT TO BE LOCKED UP..

I want to be locked up
Away from everything,
Free from all the craziness
A mother's day can bring.


No planning, shopping, cooking
Three healthy meals a day,
Served up with love to finicky kids
Who throw most of it away.


No constant interruptions,
Dirty laundry on the floor,
Driving everyone every place,
Sibling rivalry (It’s war!)


No one asking me to do things,
Getting mad if I forget,
Me giving up my very self—
I’m the family marionette.


Prison sometimes looks appealing
(Or maybe the looney bin),
I get free time and three square meals;
With nothing to do, I win!


I want to be locked up
For freedom, time and such,
There’s just one obstacle for me:
I love my kids too much!


By Joanna Fuchs