I am five
We’ve just moved from our place
across from Cookie’s Tap
I know everyone from Cookie’s
—my father’s hang-out
It was like our living room

“Friday” Cook owns Cookie’s
His handsome sons Joe and Wilbur work there

Five is good
My parents have rented a cottage on the beach
behind Mr. Ghimussi’s luncheonette
I can jump off the back deck right onto the beach

Fifi is my new babysitter
She is eighteen and Joe Cook’s sweetheart
Fifi and Joe teach me to dog paddle
I discard my orange life jacket

I love being five
Joe Cook likes to joke around with me
He says, When you grow up, will you marry me?
I am thrilled to know who I will marry
But he and Fifi are still sweethearts
I’m not sure how she will take this

My family does not kiss on the lips
Joe’s family does
He kissed me quickly—on the lips
in front of everyone at Cookie’s
Our marriage plans must not be a secret

In September
I am dumb struck
When Fifi and Joe say they are getting married…

                                                  I turn six