This is the prettiest dress I'll ever have—
a satin sash ties in a bow, tulle swishes my ankles—

but Mother gets to stand with him,
their elbows touching, flowers

spilling over her hands,
while I sit in the first row with Grandma.

When he came to take her out
didn't I throw my arms around his neck

and kiss him, and didn't he blush,
from his forehead to his buttoned shirt?

I can hardly hear what they're saying
and when I ask, Grandma says, Shhh,

it's almost time to come home with me.
I don't like her parakeet, Pretty Boy.

I'll wrap myself in her velvet curtains
until I'm dizzy and it smells dark.

I love you Wendy, Pretty Boy says.
He says that because she taught him.

Wendy Mnookin

Wendy Mnookin is the author of: What He Took, BOA Editions (Rochester, NY), 2002; and To Get Here, BOA Editions (Rochester, NY), 1999.