day SIX HUNDRED and SEVENTY FIVE

Ace

The postmaster drove a Cadillac
with the design of an ace
on each tail light. He was a big door
of a man, with matching wife.
We sat with Ace, my mother and I,
on the steps of the pool.
Ace took me on his lap
and as they chatted his fingers
moved beneath my ballerina
swimsuit, until they found
that hidden spot between my lips.
I couldn’t swim yet but quietly
freed myself and floated away
in my bright orange float coat.
After that when we picked up
the mail I hid behind my mother.
She continued to joke with Ace
and his wife, comfortable and friendly,
the way one does in a small town
where everyone thinks they know
everyone’s business.

- Tamara Madison