so grown-up and beautiful.
Thanks,
I say, flushing
savoring this moment
another family milestone
our unit still intact.
Hold it right there, you two!
I hear Mama Alice snap
a bunch of photos of us with her phone
and then she sets a timer
and runs in to join me and Mom
for a family shot.
The doorbell rings
a few seconds later
and instantly my heart rate spikes.
Mama Alice squeals and answers the door
before I even have a chance
to do it myself.
Maybe it’s better she does though
because I am wholly unprepared
for the vision that is Lyric
when she steps into the room.
She’s radiant
a cream faux fur shawl thing
perched on bare shoulders
her skin glittering with
some kind of bronzy lotion
and the jumpsuit—the hair
the flowers framing
her eyesher mouth
