There are some mothers
I am told
who can play dolls
with their child for hours
I have tried
but I either fall asleep
get distracted
or compulsively try to groom my daughter
like a chimp
so we have agreed on a playdate
with me, her and her dolls
once a day
for about twenty minutes
which she takes very seriously
and I can hear her briefing them beforehand
Emma, you’re going to get sick
and my mom is going to fix you
okay Emma, remember that
and I only sometimes want to cry
after I leave
when I hear her announce
in a soothing voice
it’s okay, everybody
she just has so much to do
but she promises to come back tomorrow.