A little boy said, "Mommy,
Come read me a story or two;
And sit here beside me...
And teach me to tie my shoe."
But she said, "Son, I am already late
For the Single Parents' Club;
I really have to go and learn
How to take care of you."
He was too young to realize
There was no logic there
But a tear ran down his little cheek
'Cause he thought she didn't care.
"I will drop you off at the 'Center'
And the 'sitter' will read to you;
And maybe she will have the time
To teach you to tie your shoe."
The sad part of this story
Is not so hard to see;
When you multiply this little child...
By four million and thirty-three!
By Edna L. Ingram, with permission