American River Review 2022 - copy - Flipbook - Page 76
Bal’s
By Cathy Arellano
Uncle Tony’s bank
where he cashes his paycheck
every Friday night
and a book of matches
with a martini glass
on the cover
sometimes he comes home
then goes back out
B-A-L-S
If anyone asks for me
I’m at Bells
he tells elementary school me
Don’t forget
Write it down
You know how to write?
How old are you?
Yeah
I know how to write
The door slams shut
I write
very neatly
very slowly
B-E-L-L-S
Nana comes home and asks for Uncle
I show her the note
She laughs
and tears it up
Wash your hands for dinner
Hours later
Uncle slams door open
wobbles down hall
empties pockets on the kitchen table
out tumbles a wallet
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