remember rich?

by shira

the cable busted
on my brother's cheap t.v. set
in his new apartment
that i set my suitcase in

his ancient roommate pulled me down
to sit with him on the musty couch
to tell me that the girl of his dreams
would get there soon

my mother ran her finger
over the stovetop
and rubbed the grease onto the chicken
drew was cooking; gave it flavor

it was then that i became
a vegetarian
and counselor
an older sister
to my brother
unpacking his new toys