Drop Off

Eight fifteen, car duty,
Walkie talkie in hand
Ready to accept
The fragile cargo
Waiting for delivery.

Jillian, handle with care,
Wrapped in Limited II
And perfect headband.

Keith, rumpled in transit,
Tumbling from the van
Trailing juice boxes
And cookie crumbs.

Taylor, a rush delivery,
Flying out of the Bronco,
Casts a perfunctory wave.

Ali, breakable,
Jerks away from mom,
Defiant, stomps off.

Shanna, postage due,
Just five with morning hair,
Once lemon dress,
Flopping in on
Too big shoes.

A Prius mom clutching
A fluff of a dog
Proffers a salty cheek
To change of address
James and Brie.

Each drop off greeted
"Glad you came
To school today."
Until 8:30
And
The bell rings.