to be first.
Rita says it's difficult
when they're all riled up
like when
the social worker came
and wrote her up
for having c r u m b s
under the toaster.
C r u m b s!
The Social-Worker-Woman said,
"This is a clear indication of slovenliness
just begging for roach and vermin infestation."
Rita knows about infestation.
Rita doesn't like infestation.
No.
Rita says sometimes they argue
with each other
as if she wasn't there.
Rita says
maybe
she
isn’t.
Banana fana fo feada.
Sometimes they tell her
what to DO.
When they disagree
with each other
she cries. They get mad
and make her stand in the back.
Rita says I should write this down for you
when they're asleep. I'm very quiet.
(They don't know me.)
Istaystillandsmallandsilent
in the shadow/wodahs of Rita.
Me my mo meada,
Rita says to leave this
under the cushion
in our special chair for you.
There.
Rita says if they leave her head
it will be empty.
Jack-‘O-Lantern hOllOw!!
But I will be her light.
When she reads this
she
will
know.