sit me up on the old fridge, daddy
tickle my toes, straighten my hair
hold me up real steady, daddy
someone took a picture of us there

little, pretty girl
maybe four or five
sits unadorned on so high
dad’s surgeon hands
lift her up, up, up
“don’t ever take me down!” she cries

small sister below waits and waits
her turn for this honorable seat
mom calms her squirming, explains patiently
she’s next in line for dad’s treat