to go get her, exposing
the handset to background
noise. Off-key singing. A chorus
of laughter. Voices I know,
and some unfamiliar, a strange
blend of old and new, all
around Aunt Cora and
Grandfather. Homesickness
swells. And not a small amount
of jealousy. They are there.
I am here. Where I swore
I wanted to be. When Aunt
Cora picks up, all I can say
through the tears is, “Just
wanted you to know I miss
you. Give Grandfather a kiss
for me. Gotta go now.”
I COULD LET TREY SLEEP
But the desire to escape
this room is driving me crazy.
“Wake up,” I urge. “The day’s
a-wasting.” It’s one of Grandfather’s
favorite sayings, and that wave
of homesickness crests.
Trey shakes off sleep reluctantly.
But when he sees my face, etched
with expectancy, he goes into
the bathroom to shower. I get
dressed again in my one nice
outfit. Brush out my hair. Put