see saw

seven year olds drinking nonsense by the see saw
she has crossed them off her list
twist
into braids
fish braids
french braids
french twists
come later

invited to the birthday party
the shock of other people's lives
and rooms and small places
and taking home little boxes
(consolation prizes for not knowing her best)
little plastic boxes to put
rings and things
that girls are supposed to have
in

birthday parties
pool parties
slumber parties
come later

you are this name
this is your seat
gulp what you can
but there are people waiting
line up
cross your legs
and listen

spit it all out at the
see saw
and guess about the rest.