Cristian says, “I’ve got the bait and tackle,
Dad.” They’re going fishing at the cattle
pond today. Christopher stops to tickle
Ana’s toes while Christine heats the kettle.
She leans against the stove, touches her locket,
smiles like Mona Lisa, says, “You coddle
that child.” “The cockatiels need a new cuttle
bone,” he says, and gives Ana a cuddle.
—Lester Smith