One Thing She Enjoyed

try to think about a good time

not think about the first seven months

she enjoyed the music in the park

she just wanted to be with me

see all the little children dance

sit and eat her big oatmeal cookie

walked around to see someone she knew

maybe go buy the band's CD

it didn't take much to make her smile

her legs and feet bounced in time

with the beat and fast melody

while looking at all the people

when it was time to go home

gather up our chairs and tote bags

walked to the car and I'd drive her home

didn't want me to leave her alone

But I had to go...to my own place

I had to go...to get ready for bed

I had to work the next day

Mayonnaise In My Hair

Ridiculous — that idea
about nourishing dry hair
with mayonnaise to help split ends.

Massaged it through my hair —
oily, slippery, lemony mayonnaise.
Let it sit — took forever to wash out.

Slipped, sliding in the bathtub,
sludgy as an oil slick.
Almost fell in the shower.

Legs flew haphazard.
Swoop! Swoop! Swoop!
Screaming — hysterical laughter.

Held onto soap holder,
faucet and handles for stability.
Hot water pelted my body.

Could have sprained an ankle,
busted a knee, hurt
my back, cracked my head.

Never do that again.