one of us

I set up the little table; pink
and yellow, with plastic legs
in a Dr Seuss shape and place plastic
tea cups and saucers on all four sides.

I spend time in front of each setting
discussing what that perfect husband
did for me last week and achievements
of my self-motivated son.

I take an imaginary sip and shift
one to the left with an appropriate response.
the sun streams through the white picket
window in a rainbow

as I discuss the vacation spot
to die for and brag of new dresses,
and calls from celebrities, or at least
politicians asking advice.

Not until my father knocks on the door
calling me to dinner and tales of what
Bill from Networks said and discussion
of numbers on pieces of paper that landed

in our mailbox and how I must clear
the table of dirty dishes and my brother
tells a secret that he promised not to
and I notice the sun setting

over the tree house,
will I believe
there is more than one of us
here.

by google
posted on 11/12/2009