B of E #22: katy's scrubbing up

Frank Prem

mama's checking out the make-up
rummaging for things she hasn't seen since
well
let's say
they've been missing awhile
but she thinks she might know where to find them
they'll be in katy's room

 

katy's scrubbing up tonight
glitter in her hair
she's had the beauty parlour treatment
to look gorgeous
for the ball

 

cha cha cha

 

for dancing

 

fourteen years and six feet tall
slender as a model on the cat-walk
she'll be black off the shoulder
pink in a shawl
a little colour on the cheeks
dark eye-liner
and yes
that'll be the missing mascara

 

and the lipstick

 

those two will be gone awhile
it's time for girl business
in the bedroom
but papa
have you charged the camera

 

because here she comes now
look at her would you
just look
we always knew
but
just look at her

 

strike a pose by the mantle shelf
underneath the painting we brought away
from grandma's house
she might not approve of black
but she'd be just so proud of you
and happy

 

little brother please
remove yourself
this is not your picture
or your time
you'll have to wait your turn

 

papa take katy now
it's time she made her entrance

 

no
you won't need to carry
the shotgun

 

she'll be fine you know
she's a big girl
still your baby
but she'll be fine

 

he'll be worried all night
fretting like a
well

 

like the father whose baby
is taking steps into the world
and away

 

nervous

 

keep him busy if you can
talk motor cars
help him do something with the radiator
or the carby
until one o'clock
or so

 

until she gets home

 

~

  • Author: Frank Prem (Offline Offline)
  • Published: March 2nd, 2018 00:36
  • Comment from author about the poem: The Book of Evenings.
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 9
  • Users favorite of this poem: Laura🌻
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Comments +

Comments2

  • Goldfinch60

    Good one, the worry of parents never ceases not matter how old the kids are.

    • Frank Prem

      Thanks GF.

      Funny to watch when not the parent.

    • Laura🌻

      Frank,
      I love this write! You’ve brilliantly described the happenings and going ons of the first dance of a daughter! You’ve described my husband’s actions so perfectly! Every ten minutes he would ask, “Is she home yet?” He couldn’t wait till she got home safe and sound...and she did! Memorable! Thank you for sharing!

      ~Laura~

      • Frank Prem

        Yes we get as over-protective as anything. Shame it is, perhaps, becoming more warranted.



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