The Coolest Ginger I Know

  Ray-Chow.
  Rachel.
  Rachie.
  Ray.
  She's the one who helps me
  To keep those feelings thin and shallow
  Whenever those people (what are they called? Mom and Dad?)
  Are gone,
  again,
  and again,
  and again.
  I should be angry, but I'm not
  Because there's sugared dough on my nose
  And sugared music in my ears.
  I should be lonely, but I'm not
  Because she's dancing like some drunken fairy,
  A mixing spoon her wand that wipes away the emptiness.
  I'm laughing because I love this so much more
  Than being with them; vacant, cold beings with me
  Who light up the minute they can go away
  And forget that they have children.
  I love her, my sister,
  My substitute mother,
  Freckled, laughing, keeping the bad thoughts at bay.
  They're on some island somewhere, tanning aging skin
  And tipping back happy juice
  Looking for the light they lost.
  We're at home,
  In a kitchen in Minnesota,
  Soaking up all the light in the world.