Frankie, s'what she's called.
Shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

"You look like a lunatic."

She's giggling so hard. 
Except when we're applying her eyedrops.

"No" she squeals, trapped under the power of Mama.
"I'll tell Daddy if you dont behave", is her reply.
That gets her immedietly.

I finish with my praying.
Spill Kiwi Strawberry pop on the keyboard.
Sunlight filtering through the office window.

Frankie needs help opening her soda.
Keyboard all sticky.
Pink eye gazing at me through black smoky lashes.

"Stop staring, creeper"

She giggles harder, and pretends not to look, though I know
she does anyway.

"Its as if you've never seen a gal before"

Little brown hand covering that mouth.
Giggles erupting from chapped lips.
I roll my eyes.

She has a new language.
Imaginative. Cant understand.
Its all backwards.

"Adi! What are you gonna write next?"

No reply, and I sigh.
Hold back my annoyance.
For another time.

A minute later.
Tenderness softens my heart.
Pity takes its hold on me.
Squeezes my heart with its mighty fist.
She's been in isolation so long.
I try to be good. 
Struggle to maintain her with a smile.
She doesnt deserve any less.
Naivety is her main dress.
God bless.
Us.
In this shamble, this mess.

I love you, understand?