Ode to the Little Things

Mom once told me

It’s the little things

That matter

Most.

At first, I didn’t know what she meant.

Clean dishes

Swept floors

Organized spices

Would a daughter ever understand her mother?

She told me it was the little things

That mattered

Most.

A hug

Good morning hellos

Good night kisses

Just listen for five minutes

Silence burned

More than a random paper cut.

Maybe it was distance

Teenage ignorance

Mom you're embarrassing me

Come spend time with me

My friends are waiting bye

I get it

Mom once told me it’s the little things

That matter

Most

I love you

I miss you

Blank texts

Hours unanswered

Jump on my couch

Please no!

Pick up after yourself

Close the chips

Toilet seat left up

She warned me and I’m starting to get it.

Hey can you… rather than

I know you will so…

Do you want to… rather than

I didn’t think you would…

I know you like them, so I got one for you

I just thought of you

Hello.

I think the little things matter.

Clean it just because you see it

Fix it even though it wasn’t asked

Take five minutes to listen

Hello, do you hear me?

Just listen

Take a second to explain

Don’t complain

Mind what you say

Words cut like knives sharper than teeth ripping into meat

A minute turns into hours

A hello can last a lifetime.

Mom told me it’s the little things

That matter

Most

They matter most

Because

They're big.