Home,
the last day of second grade,
and I just didn't want

egg salad.

Protesting
pounding fists
stomping feet
making lists
of why I didn't want

egg salad.

Show your mother some respect
     and
Shut your mouth and stuff your face
     and
You're a spoiled little brat
     but
I just didn't want

egg salad.

Outside
in the backyard
the sun shining
school over
summer here
kids playing
I was staying
with my choice.

No egg salad

for me.

Standing alone
under the porch
folding my arms
hiding my tears
gritting my teeth
pinching my skin
thinking of him

No egg salad!

I screamed.

Let her be
     and
Make her eat
     and
Beat her ass
     but
Daddy still lay on my bed

dying in the dining room
while the others all ate

egg salad.