MOTHER'S COMING TO VISIT

I’m going to be a mother-in-law!
Got the news on Monday
Only six-and-a-half months after first suspecting it,
Hardly time enough to prepare oneself for such a change of role.

I’m going to be a mother-in-law!
A loaded possibility for awe-inspiring tyranny
For a girl who grew up near a TV
Watching reruns of the Flintstones.

Fred’s mother-in-law announced by Wilma
Smiling demure and devilish at dinner.
“Mother is coming to visit us Dear.”
And in she’d come like a 50-ton tractor
Bellowing and huffing and clearing a path,
Roaring to roll over Fred.

Phoning to say, “I’m coming for a visit, Dear.”
I’m going to be a mother-in-law!
Swooping across to Guelph Ontario.
And for Derek, a coy announcement at dinner.
“Mother’s coming to visit.”