+

e i g h t

I remember

when I was

about 6 years old

I broke something

important

and my mother

sobbed and sobbed

and I

didn't understand

because grown ups

weren't supposed to cry

and the phone rang

"how are you?"

(at least that's

what I think they said,

it's what grown ups usually

say). Her expression

changed instantly

to assure:

"good,

good thank you."

and I was

confused.

Because she wasn't.

Except now they

call me

grown up

and I have to

answer

the same way.