My mother ran away today She walked right out the door Packed her tooth brush and pajamas Said, "I can't take it any more." She said that she was tired She said she had her fill Of cooking our meals, washing our clothes And cleaning up all our spills She said she'd write us letters With no return address She said she'd come back someday But now she has to rest She took the plants, she took the cats Took our pictures from the wall And though it's just been two hours I wish that she would call I never thought I'd miss her Isn't that the way? You never know how much Mom means to you Until she runs away