it was a drinking song, red riot
of rose and itchy ribbon. Google
says, dying requires precision.
aunt A said, high school is the best
time you ever have in your life.
I mummified mine
in case she was right.
been mummifying ever since
like I could keep the sink
of my little girl feet on wet sand
by jarring shells or the first surge
of something warm and reaching
down there, something about
Peter, by stealing his glasses.