I want to hear what they loved
newscaster, would you mind
reading the list of things
she loved
like a poem
each one,
lightening bugs and glitter nails
pencil dives, putting on plays
take off your glasses
to wipe the tears
which ice cream did she choose
when the truck drove up
what song did she sing
as she fell asleep
girlhood
ends too soon
as it is
newscaster, can you tell me
what it was
that you loved
when you were nine?
and buy us some time
to cry.