Michael J. Henry

EMMY HAS A FAVORITE NEW WORD

It’s just this: students.
Those kids slouching in small desks.
She’ll never be like that,
No, no, not ever.

JOANNA HAS HER OWN
FAVORITE WORD, TOO

It sounds like: go-bot,
always phrased as a question.
It means, pick me up?

EMERSON HAS A BAD DAY

She watches Dumbo.
She weeps, and seeks bright comfort.
I swing her gently,
my arms not strained through a cage.

JOANNA HAS HER OWN
BAD DAY, TOO

She sleeps fitfully,
wakes up a livid, red-hot coal.
Virus, go away!

I (WILL) HAVE A BAD DAY

It’s August 15th.
Where, where have you gone, mother?
Your little girls would
like to meet you.