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# Late
- URL: https://dianaludwick.com/late/
- Published: 2026-03-31T19:40:51.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T20:10:05.000Z
- Description: “Late,” a reversal of habitual roles, and a musing on parenting. Written March 31, poem 090 in a series of 365 poems written by Diana Ludwick in 2026. "You are late," a scathing analysis from a teen in the car. Photo by Diana Ludwick (c) 2026.
- Author: Diana Ludwick
- Tags: 2026 Poetry Challenge, Poems, Car ride, Dentist, Dry Humor, Generations, Humor, Kids, Late, March, parenting, Role Reversal, #Migrated-1792872215677, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-10-24 20:03

**9:41:01 a.m., incoming text:**  
“You are late”  
The heat from her words  
melts my Apple watch.  
"Oh!" I snap out of my trance.  
  
I’d told her we would leave  
for the dentist at 9:40 a.m.  
That is, before I fell into a side quest:  
spring cleaning my closet.  
  
On school days, our roles reverse.  
But today it’s her turn to wait,  
and she’s quick to judgment.  
I don't reply.   
  
**9:41:30 a.m. incoming images:**  
Photo evidence   
of her promptness,  
two POV snaps   
from her seat  
in my car   
in the garage.   
  
I don't rush; no need.  
I gather my bag, swig tea,  
find my sunnies, and   
select the right shoes.  
  
I exit from the mud room,  
see her seething in the back.  
"You're *LATE*!" She exclaims,   
half-snarl, half-glee at catching me.  
  
"Ma-ommmmm! Come on.   
You said '9:40!' We're *late*."  
I nod, silently, nonplussed.  
This is fun, being unruffleable!   
  
"If you say you're gonna BE   
somewhere, at a certain time,  
then you should BE THERE!"   
She underlines and bolds her points.  
  
"How does it *feeeeeeeel*?"   
I query, not at all guilty.  
She rolls her eyes and parries:  
"I expected more from you."  
  
I hope this moment   
stays with her   
next school day,   
when she demands  
yet another ride.   
  
Because I already know that  
on that day, I'll be there, prompt.  
Mummifying in the driver seat   
losing the remnants of my mind.