“Pappaw’s House” by Mandy Austin Cook
a flashlight
and giggles
rebelliously deliciously tiptoeing
to the porch
with Barbie dolls.
we could have planned anything and the grand scheme
was to PLAY.
drink it in…….
both the up giggling and the “Hush you three!” from down the hallway
knowing in the morning
Fifi will lick your nose (and probably your ear if the nose doesn’t work)
cousin good mornings a “SHUT UP!” HE argues he doesn’t SNORE.
(he’s still mad the master plan was Barbies)
and coffee gurgles its aroma with sizzles of bacon slices
and the cheerful whistles
of comforting familiar.