Ode to Daphne and Marlene

(1974)

To Daphne and Marlene,

a most remarkable pair.

To tell the truth about these two,

would not be quite fair.

But I, as their Mother,

feel it's my duty,

to tell all the world

of their charm and beauty.

I also consider it one

of my solemnness of obligations

to tell about all their

crimes which try my patience.

Daphne it, as you can see

an adorable child of only three.

But Marlene, who is four

is an impossible chore.

With only thirteen months

difference in age,

they find it quite easy

to make me enraged.

They beg and they plead

to go outside and play,

and as you would guess

they run in and out all day.

They say, "Mommy, Daddy,

give me a goodnight kiss,"

and after the lights go out they

both claim they were missed.

They clamor at the store

for a particular treat,

but after I've bought it

it's the one thing they won't eat.

These two little darlings

love to brush their teeth, it's true,

but you should see

the bathroom when they're through.

I love them both dearly

but in truth it must be said,

what I love most is when

it's time to put them to bed.