Ode to My Ergo

Dear Ergo,

Thank you for being
what makes me
happy on shopping days,
the only thing
that makes it possible
for poor me
in the grocery store
at lunchtime
with three girls.

When Rosebud cries,
throws food on the floor
bites a tomato
begs for granola,
jellybeans,
anything,
I think of you
strong and securely
holding baby on my back
out of the way of the tantrum.

When Turtle darts here
and there
suggesting
avacodos,
oh mangos!
oh juice!
and yogurt!
and cookies!
When banana chips
whined about
and purchased
are rejected
pronounced yucky,
I think of you,
holding my baby on my back
out of the way of the frustration.

When every flower must be smelled,
When huge watermelons must be lifted,
When women and old men sigh
in exasperation
at my darting child
20 times oblivious
to anybody's
way of passage,
I think of you
and I am oh so glad
because things could be
so much worse.

You take one of my girls,
one load
of precious cargo,
wrap her in strength
and hold her secure,
happy and
out of the way of the madness.
Oh, dear Ergo,
thank you so,
in times like these
I know you've got my back. :)