Another Stage

Yellow haired mother

            spent from her journey

            to the town

            where dad

            is arriving.

Young princess

            plays in the murky wetness

            oblivious to the fact

            that dad has missed the bus

            drinking with his buddies back in Toronto.

So mom

            drives to Macdonald’s

            for a Happy Meal

            “Daddy must be working”

            munching until forgetfulness sets in.

Minutes

            silently in the stall

            keeping quiet so the princess can’t hear

            the former Miss Rodeo 1974

gets in her $400 car and drives home to the rez.