That day when the neighbors
burrowed in the front door
for their noon coffee
and cake, I followed
instructions, told them
my mother, and you, sister,
were at a baby shower.
Even when you came back
later that evening sick
with tears, mother said
the shower was fine.
Swallowed Catholic
pride like the birth control
pills you misplaced, and never
spoke of that day again.
Not even when your boyfriend
pulled up in the cherry
Chevy, said any
other time, he would
have dipped into his
savings, but this he couldn't pass.
|