Unfolding Miss July

by Jeanne Emrich and Michael Dylan Welch

First published in Frogpond 23:3, Fall 2000, page 55. Written June to November 1999.

rainy afternoon . . .

in the dollhouse bedroom

dad’s old cigar box Jeanne

thimbles on her fingers

the toddler plays piano Michael

in the closet

with flashlights . . .

unfolding Miss July Jeanne

first day of school—

cardboard in the spokes

held by a clothespin Michael

two soup cans and a wire—

the beat of your heart Jeanne

dressing up

in mother’s old evening gown—

uneven nerf balls Michael