I Hold My Breath
By: Mary McKenzie
When I hear the front door open
and the mud boots tromping in
and the turning of the doorknob
and the voice of my children,
I hold my breath.
I gauge by their expression,
by the speed at which they come
and tonation of their voice,
if their mood is troublesome.
I hold my breath.
Did the pregnant sow have piglets
in the forty-four below?
Did the heifer jump the fence
for greener pastures? I don’t know…
I hold my breath.
Is the guinea acting sickly?
Did the rooster tear his comb?
Did a skunk run off with chickens,
or the swine break fence to roam?
I hold my bre...