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# Five
- URL: https://dianaludwick.com/five/
- Published: 2026-01-17T19:36:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T20:12:43.000Z
- Description: “Five,” an under-the-sea experience with a milestone birthday girl, Poem 017 in a series of 365 poems written by Diana Ludwick in 2026. Photo, life aquatic at Maui Ocean Center (c) Diana Ludwick
- Author: Diana Ludwick
- Tags: 2026 Poetry Challenge, Poems, #Migrated-1792872215677, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-10-24 20:03

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.