Riona

with Starburst in her pocket,
girls follow behind like
needy pups.
only one knows the destination
of the gift:
the quiet child who always watches,
who often plays by herself
and becomes the coveted pet tagalong

now she pipes up,
i know who those are for–my mama,
because she loves my mama
and my mama loves Starburst.
i would like to be that unnoticed
and that necessary.

Mythili

you’re the middle child
unaware of sisters’ quirks
living in your world

Isabella

you gave me a dose
of grumpy teenage hormones
what will we do then?