My middle schooler wore a coat today 
So, maybe you think I won?
But the outerwear battle is many-layered
And winter’s only just begun.

My middle schooler wore a coat today,
But will he keep it on? 
Will he zip it? Who’s to say?
“It’s only -17 degrees outside, MOM!”

His pants are short, as are his socks
And his boots gather dust.
But I’ll fight shoe fights another day, 
No need to push my luck.

My middle schooler wore a coat today, 
But unzipped coats come off.
He trudges home, coat under arm,
Safe to say I lost.