A fever's coming, I can feel it
quick go get the thermometer
and for God's sake rinse
it off first Lord knows where
that thing has been how many times
it's been dropped in the toilet
or poked into dirty corners
it has no business in and bring
me a glass of water and a tylenol
broken in two you know I can't swallow
those things whole.
So she goes to the drawer and
fishes around for the digital
thermometer, which she can't
find and when she does the battery
is dead and she's cut her finger
on the xacto knife her brother
must have put in there and blood
is getting everywhere she fills
a glass with water she has made sure
is exactly the right temperature
but of course it isn't
and her mother won't drink.
Instead she complains of the blood
inconsiderate child when you know
I am so very very sick to come
in here getting red marks
everywhere ruining your blouse
you will scrub that right out missy
and forget the water just bring
that bottle the one I bought to give
to your cousin on his wedding
hell he don't need it he's young
and healthy gonna give that girl
something to think about with
those big hands of his and that
fine mouth no I'm drinking that
whiskey go get it now.
She finds it in the cupboard under
the kitchen sink still in a brown
paper bag and when she gives it
to her mother she leaves a bright
red fingerprint right on the neck
but her mother doesn't even see it
and can't taste the fact her mouth
has kissed the smooth round
opening first. Good night mama
she says and leaves the room
pulling the heavy door slowly
closed behind her drops
of her blood landing softly on the floor.