Distant relatives come parading
into our house
and see the messy living room
I say
"Sorry about the mess
sit down
I'll go get my mother"

When my mother comes
they talk about me
my ills
my lack of boyfriends
and the poetry I write
as if I were not here
I wish I could disappear
for I am slowly melting into my chair
which is melting into the floor

My sister comes
they talk about her
her health and glowing skin
"so many little boyfriends"
and her beautiful singing voice
as if I were not here
I wish I could disappear
for I am slowly melting into my chair
which is melting into the floor

The time comes for them to leave
They kiss us
and cry alittle
then bid us goodbye

After the door closes
I realize
I have never
met them before