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I'm changing my name from MOMMY
and I'm not going to tell anybody what my new name is.
My new name will be Cameron.
But don't tell my kids.
Then when they call MOMMY, I'll
be lying in bed painting my toenails vampire violet.
And I won't answer.
While they scream MOMMY, I have
no socks...I can't find my shoes. What did you do with
them? (like I've been wearing size 3 white patent leather
shoes) --
I will be upstairs, giving myself
a mud masque deep cleansing pore revival.
While they are shouting that
MOMMY should find their French book because it's her fault
that they can't find it (right, I was up conjugating verbs
all night) --
I will be practicing doing my
hair in a multibraid bun studded with rhinestones.
While they are getting hysterical
because they lost their permission slip to go to the science
museum
And need MOMMY to sign it,
I will be practicing aromotherapy,
scenting the backs of my ears and wrists with violet ambrosia
pachoulli oil.
When they stomp their feet because
they need MOMMY to find them a white shirt for chorus
And they can't find any bread without mold
I will be in the bath reading
"Jane Eyre."
And when they finally storm up
the stairs to find MOMMY because they didn't do their homework
because of MOMMY and they can't go to school until they do
their fractions
I will be massaging each pressure
point on my feet.
So I will be able to relax, speaking
softly, as Cameron would speak.
And I will say:
Your mommy has changed her name
But I can't tell you her new
name.
And they will scream and scream
"Tell us. Tell us....
And even though I don't want
to say it,
Cameron will make me tell.
"Kids," I will say,
gathering them close together and hugging them.
My new name is
DAD.
And I, Cameron, will feel the
greatest of pleasure
as I lie in bed,
watching videos, eating parmesan popcorn,
and drinking mocha cappucinos
from the coffee machine I install in my room-
while the children call
DAD,
There's nothing to eat and
DAD. We want something to drink
And DAD we missed the bus
And DAD we need you to drive
us to Amber's house after school
And then take us to the mall
And Dad I forgot but I lost my
biteplate
And Dad the dog threw up
And Dad there's no toilet paper
And Dad, it's your fault I missed
the bus
And failed French. And it's your
fault that Mrs. Lotati yelled at me.
And then I will call my husband
and he will come up to the bedroom
And we will drink mocha cappucinos.
And then I will change his name
too.
He will be called Dylan.
And we won't tell the children.
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