Joanna Gilman Hyde

The Hawk Corner Room 4:52pm

My Parents have put Me here

really sittin’ pretty

in My Grey Bath Robe

— never dressed today —

— only showered —

padding around in white socks

to settle before My Immaculate View

of Ocean & Sky & occasional long white wave

–

Yes, if it weren’t for My Parents

would I be Here at all?

Tomorrow will be the first anniversary

of My Father’s Quiet Death

March 31st will be the twentieth

of My Mother’s skull-shattering

Expiration

–

and I am left

in the care of My Doctor/Husband

A Man My Mother never met

A Man My Father said would grow too old

–

Yes, I’m sittin’ pretty

in a Present to die for

My Future to live