Babysitting

Sweet cloud steam of
Heat clean clothes and
All four: one to nine
In bed. Sound of second
Load. Valentine's tonight,

The bright red card he got her
On the cabinet, beside family
Pictures. Iron gurgles: the
Pile is enormous. For three
Straight hours there is

Nothing else but steam
And cotton that won't
Acquiesce. At eleven
Sitting down to home —
Baked pay, baby cries.

Fumble in dark for switch,
Approaching his cot
Our eyes touch:
Sink softly, life so
Radiant and messy.

He will not oblige.
At least not for some time.
Returning downstairs, night
And young family paraphernalia
Redefine 'Be my Valentine'.

By Megan Ng

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