The Princess greets us at the door
Scarlet tendrils of gleaming synthetic
Cascade down her tiny frame
Center part laced to mesh moves as she itches her head.
I’m five! She announces
She swishes her iridescent tail
Adjusts her taffeta shell gown.
Her tiara is inconvenient;
off it comes.
The mermaid swims away,
over to Grandma’s arms.
To any member of her makeshift court, she trumpets:
There’s cheese! Mom’s gonna be a crab!
My dad made my birthday cake himself --
chocolate with purple frosting -- Just for me!
All apprised, she conducts a tour of her cove of treasures:
That’s my doll house! These are my magnets!
There’s my baby doll. Here’s my race car!
That’s my brother! She points.
This tiny whirlwind towers yet
over a room of assembled toddlers and babes
No doubt who’s in charge, she emanates
Big Sister Eldest Daughter Vibes.
Dazzling streamers, golden glitter, sparkly balloons
Shimmery decals, aquatic costumes, sea-themed appetizers
a house full of loved ones, three generations one roof.
Core memory loading; this is five.
