Mom drives the Buick
though the walk is short.
Gravel
pops and crackles
under white-wall tires.
Park and sprint to the pool house.
They’ll check your badge.
As usual, no umbrellas left.
Toss your bag.
Cannonball in off the side.
Drench
the flowered rubber bathing caps
of elders who dare soak now.
Watch the big boys
create tidal waves to impress the girls
who pretend not to notice.
Too soon, Adult Swim.
Kids jump in once more
a defiant splash.
All swim the long route to the ladders,
ignore the lifeguards’ whistles.
Mom leaves you
to the A.M. hits
and static
on your transistor.
She wades in the shallow end.
Just a cooling dip,
her hair in a hasty bun.
She never dunks.
The Jolly Green Giant towel,
faded from last summer
is spread on the grass;
its warmth a comfort despite the heat.
Cocoa butter and
Sea & Ski
Pay lip service to the sun:
Mom will be brown
You will be pink
Before you head home.
***
VICTORIA STEELE
Is thrilled to be included in the debut MEWS magazine and is looking forward to sampling everyone else’s work. This is her first submission and first publication (unless the high school literary magazine counts!) A lifelong reader and writer, Steele has taken many courses, workshops and belonged to several writers groups through the years, including MEWS, Tunnel Vision, and the Write Group. Also an actor, Steele has appeared in many plays and movies over the years: big parts in the little shows, little parts in the big shows! Her plays Permanent Solution and The List enjoyed modest productions with Spotlight Theatre. The List also enjoyed a staged reading at 12 Miles West. Currently a student of American Sign Language, Steele has not been doing much creative writing these days. However, this vote of confidence is an inspiration to get back to it. Thank you. ☺ Contact: ves8284@yahoo.com.
