Cathy and Tricia and I sat in their father’s kitchen
as Nana and Papa and Uncle John talked downstairs
over a dog – cute enough I suppose.

Def Leppard hung in the air, and I sang the wrong lyrics
to make them laugh. Then we talked about Jackie
and their mom – how hard it was.

I told them they should come up to the lake
with their grandfather next time, and they said
they should, they should, but they never did

I wondered, about our blood, about the ways we are the same
about the ways we are not.
Love is a choice, that’s all – I decided

Elton John came on the radio, and I saw Cathy
still standing there, looking tired – so tired
like she lost a year and could never find it again

Tricia was playing with her hair, feathering
and twirling and considering hairspray, maybe
though she was beautiful enough without.

I heard Papa call me down, “Time to leave!”
Gave them hugs and kisses and said,
“See you soon.”

The saddest sort of unintentional lie
we tell for the sake of love.`